Newscast The Week: How Does Starmer Handle Trump, Grok and What's Going On In Iran?
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Jan 9, 2026 
Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent, shares her insights on the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran sparked by economic turmoil. She highlights how President Trump's warnings may have tempered Iran's security forces' response. Doucet also discusses the everyday resilience of Iranians amid the unrest. In UK politics, the panel analyzes Keir Starmer's pragmatic approach to Trump and the internal tensions within Labour, alongside concerns over defence spending and the cost-of-living crisis.
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Economic Spark Fueled Nationwide Unrest
- The December 28 strike by mobile phone shopkeepers ignited wider protests that tapped into previous economic grievances.
- Lyse Doucet says the unrest has spread and is now being called the most significant since 2009.
Regime Balances Repression And Caution
- Iran's leadership framed protesters as vandals while acknowledging some legitimate economic grievances.
- Lyse Doucet notes the regime is using force and internet blackouts but has not always deployed its full arsenal.
Trump's Warnings May Restrain Tehran
- Donald Trump's warnings to Iran may be restraining the regime from fully crushing protests.
- Lyse Doucet warns Iranians must heed both his words and his record of acting on threats.