Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Seyed M. Marandi: Syria Unravels & U.S. Threatens Iran
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Jan 21, 2026 
Seyed Mohammad Marandi, a prominent professor at the University of Tehran and former advisor on Iran's nuclear negotiations, delves into Syria's chaos and U.S. threats against Iran. He discusses the release of ISIS prisoners and the potential spillover of violence into neighboring Iraq and Lebanon. Marandi attributes unrest in Iran to foreign manipulation aimed at destabilization rather than genuine regime change. He highlights Iran's military readiness and the implications of foreign alliances, emphasizing the strategic complexities at play.
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ISIS Prisoner Release Raises Regional Risk
- Seyed Mohammad Marandi argues U.S.-backed forces in Syria released thousands of ISIS prisoners, increasing regional instability.
- He contends those freed militants serve U.S. interests by pressuring Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon.
Where Freed Fighters Might Strike Next
- Marandi warns ISIS and al‑Qaeda historically avoid attacking Israel or NATO, so liberated fighters will likely target Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.
- He suggests the move aims to prevent Iraq tilting closer to Iran after recent elections.
Riots As A Coordinated Foreign Operation
- Marandi describes the 2022–23 unrest as a coordinated operation aided by foreign intelligence, currency manipulation, and trained militants.
- He asserts violence was staged to create chaos and justify foreign intervention.