The Rubin Report Listen to Room Go Quiet as Rubio Says the Ugly Truth About Iran
Jan 16, 2026
In this lively discussion, former CIA officer Mike Baker and Iranian activist Elika Le Bon dive into the current crisis in Iran. They explore the stark contrast between the Iranian regime and its people, highlighting a staggering 85% opposition to the clerical rule. Elika shines a light on the courage of young Iranian women demanding freedoms, while Mike reveals how technology empowers protesters. The pair also question the hypocrisy of leftist activists who ignore human rights abuses, making a compelling case for international support. Their insights provide a nuanced view of today's Iran.
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People Not Regime
- Marco Rubio highlighted a key separation: the Iranian people versus the ruling clerics who don't represent them.
- Elika Le Bon and Dave Rubin emphasize polls and history showing ~85% of Iranians oppose the regime.
Social Media Fuels Youth Revolt
- Elika explains young Iranian women see Western lifestyles via social media and refuse to normalize repression.
- That exposure fuels protests for simple freedoms like showing hair and dancing publicly.
Tech Undermines Lockdowns
- Mike Baker notes technology makes it harder for regimes to fully lock down populations.
- He cites Starlink and workarounds that preserve protest communication despite blackouts.