Akhtar Makoii

Akhtar Makoii, a foreign correspondent reporting from Iran, shares gripping first-hand accounts from the protests that have ignited across the country. David Blair, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at The Telegraph, provides geopolitical insights on the implications of US policy. They discuss the historic role of the Grand Bazaar, the unprecedented rural participation in protests, and the regime’s determination to maintain power amid increasing violence. The conversation highlights the complexities of potential foreign intervention and the fragmented opposition within Iran.

In this insightful discussion, Akhtar Makoii, an Iran correspondent for The Telegraph, and Kaveh Madani, an environmental scientist and former Iranian deputy, delve into Iran's escalating water crisis. They explore the dire implications of ongoing drought affecting major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad, and how it could trigger political unrest. Kaveh breaks down the mismanagement in water policies, while Akhtar warns of potential evacuations. Together, they highlight the twin factors of climate change and policy failures driving Iran to a tipping point.