Judging Freedom LIVE FROM TEHRAN: Foreign Pressure or Internal Crisis? : Prof. Seyed Mohammad Marandi
Jan 15, 2026
Prof. Seyed Mohammad Marandi, an Iranian-American academic and University of Tehran professor, shares his insights directly from Tehran. He discusses the roots of the Iranian protests, linking them to foreign currency manipulation and riots. Marandi highlights accusations of foreign interference and contrasts these with widespread pro-government support often overlooked by Western media. He warns about the risks of miscalculations leading to military conflict, while also detailing the impact of internet shutdowns on protest dynamics and daily life.
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Currency Shock Sparked The Unrest
- The unrest began after a sharp, externally pressured drop in Iran's currency that hit shopkeepers and sparked local protests.
- Seyed Mohammad Marandi argues foreign manipulation and infiltration turned peaceful protests violent and deadly.
Hospital Accounts Of Close‑Range Shootings
- Marandi recounts a doctor friend describing victims shot at close range, implying shooters operated within crowds.
- He cites hospital reports and funeral attendance to illustrate the human toll and chaotic scenes.
High Security Casualties Signal Severe Violence
- Marandi states roughly 300–400 members of police, Basij and guards were killed, with about 100 police officers among them.
- He says those casualty figures show the scale and lethality of the violent infiltration he describes.