Here & Now Anytime Trump threatens intervention as deadly protests rock Iran
Jan 2, 2026
Vali Nasr, a renowned expert in Middle East Studies, explores the recent protests in Iran fueled by economic collapse and regime responses. Kerry Kennedy from the American Friends Service Committee discusses the dire consequences of Israel banning aid organizations in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian risks involved. Klina Ralla from ACLED reveals alarming trends in global conflicts, noting that government actions now drive more violence than insurgencies. The discussion points to critical implications for international policies and regional stability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
War Aftershocks Worsened Iran's Economy
- Iran's protests were driven by worsening economics after a 12-day war and diversion of resources to defense.
- Vali Nasr says sanctions, war fears, and domestic mismanagement combined to trigger unrest.
Regime Chooses Caution Over Immediate Crackdown
- Iran's security forces have a history of deadly repression, but the regime may pause to avoid further alienating citizens.
- Nasr thinks the government is largely waiting for protests to peter out rather than escalating immediately.
Rhetoric Shift From Domestic Faults To External Blame
- Public rhetoric shifted from blaming domestic corruption to highlighting external enemies after attacks on Iran.
- Nasr says both internal mismanagement and external pressures explain the government's changing tone.