The Editors Episode 839: All Eyes on Iran
15 snips
Jan 13, 2026 The hosts dive into the massive unrest in Iran, discussing Trump's warnings and the potential risks of U.S. involvement. They explore military options and assess why this moment may feel different compared to past protests. The conversation shifts to Jerome Powell's recent statements, legal challenges facing the Fed, and political correspondences surrounding them. They also reflect on a tragic shooting in Minneapolis, emphasizing legal justifications and the implications of protest tactics. Cultural picks provide a lighter touch to the serious topics at hand.
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U.S. Signals Toward Iranian Protesters
- The Trump administration is openly signaling support for Iranian protesters and threatening force rather than diplomacy.
- Hosts argue Iran's regime is uniquely untrustworthy and that action could hasten its fall if timed well.
Regional Pressure May Make This Moment Different
- The June war and U.S./Israeli strikes weakened Iran's regional proxies and may have created conditions for larger protests.
- Panelists see this moment as more promising than 2009 because economic collapse and protest breadth make change more plausible.
Targeted Measures To Empower Protesters
- Use nonkinetic tools like cyber operations and restoring internet access to empower protesters and expose security-service identities.
- Publicizing names and locations of repressors could increase regime caution without full military strikes.
