The Long Game with Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer Can Iran’s Regime Survive?
6 snips
Jan 15, 2026 A deep dive into the escalating crisis in Iran highlights the widespread protests fueled by economic struggles and the regime's brutal crackdown. The hosts discuss historical context, from the 1953 coup to today's clerical governance, examining the demands for dignity and change. They wrestle with the implications of potential U.S. military action, weighing the dual risks of intervening and the consequences of inaction. With insights on strategic options and regional reactions, they unpack the complexities surrounding international responses to this turbulent moment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Multi‑Root Causes Behind Iran's Protests
- Iran's current protests began as economic grievances among merchants and evolved into a broad social movement demanding dignity and freedom.
- Multiple factors—economic collapse, foreign entanglements, water scarcity, and cultural repression—converged to fuel nationwide unrest.
Tehran's Physical Crisis Mirrors Political Decay
- Tehran faces physical collapse from water scarcity and land subsidence that symbolize regime mismanagement.
- Environmental breakdown compounds political grievances and increases the state's fragility.
History Of Iran's Modern Turn
- Jake and Jon traced Iran's modern history from the 1953 coup through the Shah to the 1979 revolution.
- They emphasized how foreign intervention and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini produced the present clerical system.