American Prestige News – U.S. Plan for Venezuela’s Oil, Gaza Ceasefire Phase Two, Iran Protests w/ Matt Lech and Negar Mortazavi
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Jan 16, 2026 Negar Mortazavi, an award-winning journalist and host of The Iran Podcast, shares insights on the ongoing protests in Iran. She discusses the effects of a communications blackout and severe state crackdowns. Economic drivers like currency devaluation and corruption fuel unrest, although predictions of regime collapse may be premature. Negar also highlights the risks of U.S. military intervention, arguing it could harm civilians. The conversation digs into the role of exiles and regional dynamics, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of foreign involvement.
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US Move To Control Venezuelan Oil
- The Trump administration plans a de facto takeover of Venezuela's PDVSA to control oil sales and lower global prices.
- That plan risks corruption, legal challenges, and could destabilize US shale and Venezuelan sovereignty.
Ceasefire Phase Two Lacks Clarity
- Phase two of the Gaza ceasefire names technocrats to run Gaza but keeps key details vague, like the international board and stabilization force.
- Israel still restricts durable aid and claims territory, leaving displaced Palestinians exposed to winter and collapse of shelter options.
UK Palestine Action Hunger Strike
- Prisoners affiliated with Palestine Action staged a rolling hunger strike across UK prisons to press five demands including ending censorship and deprescribing the group.
- Several strikers ended their strikes after the UK denied Elbit Systems a £2 billion defense contract, seen as a partial victory.