FDD Morning Brief Will this protest wave rewrite Iran's future? | feat. Behnam Ben Taleblu
Jan 12, 2026
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at FDD's Iran Program, dives deep into the current wave of protests in Iran, labeling them as the most significant anti-regime movement in decades. He highlights the struggle during the internet blackout and the stark rise in casualties. Discussing the unique demographic shift, Ben identifies this uprising's evolution from a call for reform to demands for revolution. He emphasizes the importance of international support and the risks associated with negotiating with the regime, calling for strategic measures to empower the protesters.
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Most Significant Anti-Regime Uprising
- The current uprising is the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in 46 years and may surpass 2009 and 2022 in impact.
- Behnam Ben Taleblu warns casualty estimates may reach 2–3K, especially during the internet blackout.
Street Strategy Replaced Electoral Routes
- Protests shifted from electoral reform to revolutionary aims over eight years, using social and economic issues to push political change.
- Ben Taleblu says this movement is more demographically diverse and increasingly nationalist in tone.
Rally‑Around‑The‑Flag Failed In 2025
- The 2025 events undermined the regime’s supposed rally effect and emboldened protesters to target regime symbols.
- Ben Taleblu notes repression can deter but not eliminate the resiliency of the protest movement.