Azadeh Moaveni

The anti-government protests sweeping Iran are now in their third month, with no sign of ending, despite a bloody crackdown. Women have been at the forefront of the unrest that began in mid-September following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab, or headscarf, "improperly". The protests have spread to more than 150 cities and 140 universities in all 31 of the country's provinces and are seen as one of the most serious challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution. What are the protesters calling for? What is Iran’s leadership planning to do to end the unrest - and what does this mean for Iran’s relationship with its neighbours and with the West?Ritula Shah is joined by a panel of experts:Azadeh Moaveni - Iran expert, writer and associate professor of journalism at New York University. Esfandyar Batmanghelidj - founder and CEO of the Bourse & Bazaar economic thinktank specialising in the Middle East and Iran.Sanam Vakil - deputy director of Chatham House’s Middle East North Africa programme in London.Also featuring : Sadegh Zibakalam - writer and Professor of political science at the University of TehranProducer: Ellen Otzen and Rumella Dasgupta(Photo: A woman in a street in Tehran, Iran. Credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters)

Mehdi Hassan, a journalist and broadcaster at Al Jazeera, argues passionately that Iran shouldn't be seen as the West's enemy. Azadeh Moaveni, an NYU London lecturer, supports this view, emphasizing Iran's complex role in global politics. In contrast, Salman al-Ansari, a Saudi political analyst, highlights Iran's human rights issues and ties to terrorism. The debate explores U.S.-Iran relations, the impact of sanctions, and the vital need for engagement over hostility, offering fresh insights on a nuanced geopolitical landscape.

In this lively discussion, journalist Mehdi Hassan and gender expert Azadeh Moaveni challenge the conventional view of Iran as an enemy, while Brexit advocate Daniel Hannan and political analyst Salman Al-Ansari provide counterpoints. They delve into the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations, emphasizing Iran’s cultural contributions and potential for partnership. The conversation critically examines the impact of sanctions and advocates for a nuanced foreign policy focused on diplomacy over hostility, ultimately shifting audience perceptions about Iran's role on the global stage.