The Powers That Be: Daily The Donroe Doctrine in Iran
Jan 13, 2026
In this episode, journalist Julia Ioffe, known for her expertise in international affairs, dives deep into the protests in Iran and the implications for U.S. policy under Trump. They discuss the possibility of Trump pushing for regime change, examining Iran's weakened regional position. Julia also highlights the voices of women leading the uprising and shares insights on the viral farewell meltdown of State Department HR director Lew Olowski, unpacking the international reactions and drama surrounding his controversial tenure.
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Trump's Appetite For Quick Military Wins
- Donald Trump sees fast, surgical uses of U.S. force as politically rewarding and low-risk based on recent actions.
- Julia Yaffe argues this perception makes direct intervention in Iran more likely given Tehran's weakness and regional isolation.
Iran's Regional Support Has Collapsed
- Iran's regional proxies and allies have been degraded, leaving the regime isolated from major backers.
- Yaffe warns that a weakened Iran plus quiet Russia and China reduces external deterrents to U.S. action, raising regime-change prospects.
The Day-After Problem Remains Central
- Removing Iran's current leadership could simplify U.S. strategy in the Middle East but creates deep uncertainty about who would govern afterward.
- Yaffe and Peter Hamby stress that the post-regime power vacuum and successor legitimacy remain major unanswered risks.
