The Brian Lehrer Show Iran is 'Prepared' For War
Jan 14, 2026
In this insightful discussion, Robin Wright, a seasoned columnist for The New Yorker and expert on Iranian politics, delves into the recent protests in Iran. She highlights the historical significance of Tehran's Grand Bazaar and its echoes of the 1979 revolution. Wright discusses the generational divide in dissent, the economic strife from sanctions, and the potential risks of U.S. intervention. With over 1,850 protesters killed, she examines the complex landscape of the movement and the unpredictable role of the Revolutionary Guard.
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Economic Collapse And Everyday Hardship
- Iran's currency has collapsed over decades, with $1 buying 1.4 million riyals today compared to 70 riyals in 1973.
- Inflation hit ~40% overall and over 70% for food, making daily life untenable for many Iranians.
Bazaar Closures Echo 1979 Catalyst
- Tehran's Grand Bazaar shuttering signaled broad economic protest and mirrors a key role merchants played in 1979.
- The Bazaris' action helped catalyze wider street turnouts that now test security force responses.
No Clear Leadership Among Protesters
- Protesters share clear opposition but lack unified leadership, manifesto, or a transition plan.
- That absence makes it unclear who could govern if the regime falls or how change would be organized.