Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas The Iranian Uprising – with Behnam Ben Taleblu
Jan 21, 2026
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives into Iran's unprecedented unrest. He discusses the regime's brutal internet shutdown and its far-reaching implications. Ben Taleblu highlights how economic factors and U.S. political messaging have influenced public sentiment against the regime. He also proposes strategic non-kinetic options and urges for targeting the leadership to weaken the regime's grip. His insights reveal the potential for a societal shift in Iran, questioning the longevity of the Islamic Republic.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Internet Blackout Concealed Mass Repression
- The regime cut internet access to impede protest coordination and to kill people out of sight.
- The blackout also severed ties between inside protesters and diaspora opposition, hiding the true scale of repression.
Economic Pain Became Regime-Focused Uprising
- Protests were triggered by economic collapse but quickly shifted to explicit calls for regime change.
- Widespread geographic reach and brutal state violence made this uprising historically significant.
External Rhetoric Bolstered Protesters' Courage
- President Trump's statements strengthened protesters' resolve and gave them a sense of international support.
- His rhetoric didn't start the protests but stiffened protesters' spines and sustained street momentum.
