Newscast Trump Tells Iran Protestors “HELP IS ON ITS WAY”
9 snips
Jan 13, 2026 
Siavash Ardalan, a senior reporter for BBC World and BBC Persian, offers insider insights on the escalating protests in Iran amid a state-imposed internet blackout. He discusses the violent crackdown, with reports of mass killings and differing death toll estimates. Siavash explains how the Iranian regime organizes counter-demonstrations and how verification work is conducted during chaos. The podcast also dissects Trump's provocative 'help is on its way' message, analyzing what it could mean for Iran's future and U.S. foreign policy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reporting Through An Internet Blackout
- Iran's internet blackout forces reporters to rely on Starlink, SMS and a few smuggled videos for information.
- Siavash Ardalan says verification teams are doing heavy detective work to build the picture.
Protests Peaked Then Were Severely Repressed
- The protests reached a peak with hundreds of thousands on the streets before being violently suppressed.
- Siavash describes scenes from morgues and cemeteries suggesting mass casualties beyond official counts.
Death Toll Estimates Vary Widely
- Human rights groups estimate deaths around 2,000, while activists claim far higher numbers.
- Siavash warns videos from mortuaries resemble scenes from major conflicts, indicating large-scale loss of life.