The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg Iran’s Jacobin Revolution | Interview: Eli Lake
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Feb 4, 2026 
Eli Lake, national security columnist and host of Breaking History, offers a concise mini bio as an Iran and geopolitics reporter. He discusses Iran’s legitimacy crisis and violent repression. He examines regime cohesion, elite fractures, and use of foreign forces. He traces historical roots from Mossadegh to 1979 and weighs U.S. strategic pressure and strike options.
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Iran's Regime Has A Legitimation Crisis
- Eli Lake argues Iran's regime faces a long-term legitimation crisis and many Iranians no longer believe in its ideology.
- He believes elite cohesion is fragile and household dissent among commanders' families could undermine the regime.
Family Breakdowns Inside IRGC Households
- Lake recounts a call from a woman claiming to be a commander's daughter seeking the Hague for crimes by her father.
- She described rape and torture, suggesting internal family crises within IRGC households.
Missile Defense Limits U.S. Options
- Lake says U.S. missile defense shortfalls limit rapid military options and explain diplomatic posturing.
- He links production shortfalls to prior aid to Ukraine and Israel depleting inventories.