Battle Lines Why Iran's regime is not finished (yet) and why Trump can't help
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Jan 12, 2026 Akhtar Makoii, a foreign correspondent reporting from Iran, shares gripping first-hand accounts from the protests that have ignited across the country. David Blair, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at The Telegraph, provides geopolitical insights on the implications of US policy. They discuss the historic role of the Grand Bazaar, the unprecedented rural participation in protests, and the regime’s determination to maintain power amid increasing violence. The conversation highlights the complexities of potential foreign intervention and the fragmented opposition within Iran.
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Protests Spread Beyond Tehran
- The current protests began in Tehran's markets and quickly spread to hundreds of smaller towns across Iran.
- That geographic spread matters because it brings in traditionally pro-regime, poorer areas and signals broader discontent.
Escalation To Armed Clashes
- This wave is noticeably more violent and shows protesters fighting back and using weapons seized from police stations.
- That escalation raises the stakes and complicates predictions about outcomes.
Geopolitics Amplifies Local Tensions
- The global and regional geopolitics now differ from 2009, with a US president publicly threatening military options and Israel having struck Iran previously.
- External pressure and rhetoric can influence regime calculations and may provoke harsher domestic crackdowns.