Eye For Iran

Marlin Stutzman, a Republican U.S. congressman, discusses potential U.S. support for Iranian protesters as tensions rise. Roya Hakakian, a human rights advocate, provides a historical framework for understanding the current upheaval in Iran. Eyewitness Kiarash shares harrowing accounts of mass casualties and a digital blackout, urging global action against what he calls genocide. Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn advocates for stronger European intervention, emphasizing a moral duty to support the Iranian people's fight for freedom.

In this insightful discussion, guests include Tom Tugendhat, a former UK Security Minister with expertise in defense, and Norman Roule, a former CIA official focused on Iran. They explore the growing protests in Iran and whether they signify a revolutionary tipping point. The conversation highlights the regime's endgame scenario, economic woes fueling unrest, and the implications of diminished international support. Jason Brodsky and David Patrikarakos emphasize the unique nature of current protests and the necessity for a unifying alternative to achieve meaningful change.

Chants of “Mullahs must get lost” are spreading across Iran six days after a collapsing currency and shuttered bazaars triggered the largest nationwide protests since the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement. What began as demonstrations over economic hardship has evolved into a nationwide uprising directly targeting the Supreme Leader, posing one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s theocracy in years.On Eye for Iran, host Negar Mojtahedi asks: Can the Islamic Republic still control the situation — or is something deeper breaking?Joining us:* Shayan Samii — former US government appointee in intelligence and foreign policy* Arash Azizi — journalist and author of What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom* Danny Citrinowicz — former head of the Iran branch in Israeli military intelligence* Alan Eyre — former US State Department Persian-language spokesperson and Iran specialist* Alex Vatanka — Director of the Iran Program, Middle East Institute* Joseph Epstein — Director, Turan Research Center at the Yorktown Institute* Bozorgmehr Sharafedin — Iran International Digital lead and former Reuters journalistWe break down:– Who these protesters are — and why bazaaris matter– How economic collapse is fueling anger nationwide– How the Islamic Republic may respond, and what signals to watch nextPlus: a deep dive into growing talk of regime change after the Trump–Netanyahu meeting — what Israel actually wants, what Washington is prepared to do and how any external pressure could shape the protests inside Iran.Bozorgmehr also explains why this protest wave may be harder to contain: broader networks, deeper grievances and a regime weakened after the 12-day war and ongoing economic freefall.Will these protests lead to the end of the Islamic Republic? Tell us in the comments.Contents for this video:00:00 – Cold open: anger over economic collapse00:23 – Intro: is Iran’s regime nearing the end?03:45 – Who are the protesters and what do they want? (Shayan)06:24 – Protests spread nationwide and the leadership vacuum (Arash)13:19 – No “silver bullet” for Iran’s economic crisis (Danny)19:00 – Protester courage, opposition factions and Western support27:29 – Who is on the streets? Gen Z, bazaaris, workers (Arash)32:55 – Opposition disunity and scenarios for change after Khamenei44:39 – Regime change versus change from within, and the exiled opposition54:40 – Does fixing the economy save the regime? (panel wrap)57:44 – Trump and Netanyahu meeting: is regime change a fantasy?01:03:04 – How could regime change or system collapse actually unfold?01:09:41 – Hopelessness inside the regime and IRGC’s next moves01:13:23 – War scenarios: Iran, Israel, Trump and the next clash01:18:53 – Ten features that make this protest wave different (Bozorgmehr)01:25:58 – Bazaaris break with the regime and Iran’s failing state economy01:34:41 – Comparing this to Women, Life, Freedom and what comes next01:41:06 – Final thoughts and Eye for Iran newsletter promo#iran #iranprotests #iranuprising #iraneconomy #iranpolitics #trump #netanyahu #israeliran #womenlifefreedom #middleeast #podcast #irgc #usforeignpolicy #iraninternational #eyeforiran #youtube #shorts #middleeast

Iran exits 2025 under visible strain. Direct confrontation with Israel, setbacks to Tehran’s proxy network, and rising domestic pressure have shaken the regime — but not toppled it.In this Eye for Iran special, Avi Melamed, Jay Solomon, and Dr. Shahram Kholdi explain what really changed inside Iran, what didn’t, and the biggest risks heading into 2026 — including potential renewed conflict between Iran, Israel and Hezbollah.We also speak with Shahin Milani, Executive Director of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, about a landmark criminal complaint naming 40 Iranian officials for alleged crimes against humanity during the Women, Life, Freedom protests — and what universal jurisdiction could mean for accountability.And Siavash Rokni, an Iranian pop culture expert joins us to unpack YouTube’s new ad policy, how it has slashed income for Iranian creators, and why it may strengthen the regime’s cultural control despite fewer ads for viewers.Contents for this video:00:00 — Intro: Iran exits 2025 in crisis — but not collapse00:46 — Panel begins: What really changed this year?03:05 — Iranians losing fear — and what that means for the regime05:54 — Did the 12-Day War with Israel change the balance?10:22 — Deterrence shattered: Israel vs Iran’s proxy strategy14:49 — Looking ahead to 2026: escalation risks and miscalculation27:43 — Predictions: confrontation, diplomacy… or both?37:18 — Accountability segment: Argentina files landmark case39:15 — Universal jurisdiction — how Iran’s officials could face charges44:39 — Victims’ stories and why documenting evidence matters50:20 — YouTube policy change: Iranian creators lose revenue54:23 — Culture vs control: how the regime benefits1:06:57 — Final thoughts & outro — what to watch next#Iran #EyeForIran #WomenLifeFreedom #IranIsrael #MiddleEast #HumanRights #geopolitics #youtube #iran #digitalfreedom #shorts

Iran's convergence of crises is upending people's lives both inside and outside the country.On this episode of Eye for Iran, we examine three developments you need to understand right now. Environmental researcher and hydraulic structures expert Roozbeh Eskandari explains how Iran can go from severe drought to destructive flooding, why these extremes are driven by mismanagement rather than nature alone and why flooding does little to resolve Iran’s deepening water crisis.We then turn to the United States, where expanded travel bans and immigration restrictions are leaving many Iranians in limbo. Iranian-American immigration attorney Ali Rahnama breaks down what the new policies actually mean in practice, who is most at risk and what families should be prepared for in the weeks and months ahead.Finally, we look inside Iran, where arrests continue following a memorial ceremony for a human rights lawyer who died under disputed circumstances. Psychotherapist and activist Azadeh Afsahi, who works closely with political prisoners and their families, shares what is known about the detainees, the conditions they face and what these arrests reveal about the reality behind claims of social opening in Iran.You can catch episode 82 of Eye for Iran on YouTube or listen on any podcast platform of your choosing.#iran #water #flooding #nargesmohammadi #khosrowalikordi #toomajsalehi #trump #usa #immigration #drought Contents of this video: Segment 1 – From drought to flooding: Iran’s water crisisGuest: Roozbeh Eskandari, environmental researcher and hydraulic structures expert00:00 Intro – Iran at a breaking point00:13 Why Iran’s drought turned into flooding02:07 How bad governance drives both extremes03:10 Climate change as an intensifier, not the cause05:27 Soil erosion, urban planning and destructive floods07:19 Environmental injustice and who pays the price09:18 Why poorer neighborhoods flood first11:26 Can flooding recharge Iran’s aquifers13:43 “Territorial collapse” and water bankruptcy18:51 Water scarcity, social tension and what comes nextSegment 2 – US travel ban and immigration crackdownGuest: Ali Rahnama, Executive Director of the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund25:36 What the new US travel ban actually changes27:03 Deportations, paused visas and green card uncertainty31:42 Asylum seekers, detention and due process concerns34:59 Allegations of coordination with the Iranian regime42:29 Notices of intent to deny and legal limbo46:41 Dual nationals and long-term immigration risksSegment 3 – Arrests, repression and resistance inside IranGuest: Azadeh Afsahi, psychotherapist working with political prisoners50:17 Arrests after memorial for human rights lawyer51:30 Families left without information or legal access54:10 Visible defiance under the same laws and repression56:10 Toomaj Salehi, trauma and breaking the silenceSegment 4 – Closing01:03:02 Final thoughts and where to watch or listen

Former CIA analyst and National Security Council director Kenneth Pollack joins Eye for Iran to explain why he believes Iran has been in a “pre-revolutionary state” for years, why revolutions succeed only when regimes lose the will or capacity to use force and how Khamenei’s eventual succession could reshape everything.Then, Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) breaks down President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy and why Iran is dramatically downplayed compared to 2017 — plus the risks of an “indifference” moment when the Islamic Republic, according to Taleblu, is “down but not out.”Finally, we speak with Tatyana Eatwell of Doughty Street Chambers in the UK about the death of Iranian defense lawyer Khosrow Alikordi. Authorities cite cardiac arrest, while colleagues raise serious concerns about state involvement. What does this case mean for lawyers, detainees and due process in Iran and what role can international mechanisms play?You can watch episode 81 of Eye for Iran on YouTube or listen on any podcast platform of your choosing.Contents of this video: 00:00 Intro — Is Iran in a Pre-Revolutionary State?Ken Pollack: Iran, Revolution, and Regime Change01:22 Why Iran Has Been “Pre-Revolutionary” for Years06:55 Why the Nuclear Issue Isn’t the Core Iran Problem11:30 Iran’s Regional Ambitions and the Axis of Resistance16:20 After October 7: Is Tehran Winning or Losing?20:43 Why Iran’s Uprisings Keep Failing28:49 What Happens After Khamenei?Behnam Ben Taleblu: Trump’s Iran Strategy37:18 Trump’s New National Security Strategy and Iran41:56 Why the Iran Threat Is Being Downplayed44:37 “Down but Not Out”: Risks of Strategic IndifferenceTatyana Eatwell: The Alikordi Case47:36 The Death of Lawyer Khosrow Alikordi48:32 Tatyana Eatwell (Doughty Street Chambers) on What This Means52:32 Why Lawyers and Dissidents Face Growing Danger58:08 Closing — Why Iran’s Future Remains Uncertain#iran #usa #trump #cia #youtube #shorts #khamenei #regimechange

This week on Eye for Iran, we look at Iran through three connected lenses: history, culture, and a society that some say is transforming in real time.First, Ambassador John Limbert – one of the American diplomats taken hostage in 1979 – reflects on what he witnessed in the early days of the revolution, how the Islamic Republic has (and hasn’t) changed over five decades, and why the hostility between Washington and Tehran has outlasted the Cold War. He reacts to Donald Trump’s assertion that “Iran is a bully no more,” and explains why he’s wary of predictions about the Islamic Republic's collapse.Then, researcher and postdoctoral fellow Siavash Rokni breaks down the controversy over Shervin Hajipour’s licensed album and the sudden “normalization” of rap in Iran. He explains how shows like BaZia and state-linked streaming platforms are being used to hijack youth culture, control the rap aesthetic and turn 25 years of underground music into a profitable, controllable industry and why he sees it as a sophisticated PR performance.Finally, journalist and senior Iran analyst at DAWN Omid Memarian joins to examine Iran’s apparent social renaissance: street concerts, jazz festivals, desert raves, and a Gen Z that openly pushes back on hijab rules and refuses to live a double life. He argues that the loosening of social restrictions is driven from below, not granted from above, and that this movement has deep political implications, even if the clerical establishment tries to present it as a controlled opening.You can watch this week's episode of Eye for Iran on YouTube or listen on any podcast platform of your choosing. Contents of this video:00:00:00 – Intro: Is Iran really changing?00:01:49 – Ambassador John Limbert joins the program00:02:03 – Trump says “Iran is a bully no more” – Limbert reacts00:06:30 – How the hostage crisis reshaped Iran and crushed democratic hopes00:11:28 – Same rulers, new society: what has (and hasn’t) changed in 45 years00:16:35 – Brain drain, diaspora, and a creative generation stuck between two Irans00:22:18 – Segment 2: Siavash Rokni on youth culture and rap00:23:27 – What is BaZia and why it matters for Iran’s rap scene00:30:02 – Why the state is “normalizing” rap: money, control, and PR performance00:39:12 – Shervin Hajipour backlash: betrayal, survival, and public anger00:41:06 – DIY and parallel economies: how independent artists resist the system00:45:36 – Segment 3: Omid Memarian on Iran’s social opening and crackdown00:46:24 – Mahsa Amini, the 12-day war, and a “worn out” repression machine00:51:55 – Not just Tehran: how far the social shift reaches beyond big cities00:53:20 – Explosion of expectations: Gen Z vs the system00:55:27 – Raves, festivals, and imagining a future without the Islamic Republic01:02:11 – Outro and Eye for Iran newsletter/info#iran #shervinhajipour #music #rap #news #culture #podcast #youtube #shorts #usa #trump #eyeforIran #genz

The United States has launched one of its most visible military deployments in years off the coast of Venezuela — a major operation aimed at narco-terror networks and the Maduro government. Retired four-star General Joseph Votel joins Eye for Iran to explain how decisions like this are made, what Washington’s posture actually signals, and why moves in the Caribbean inevitably carry an indirect message for countries like Iran, even if they aren’t the main focus.Next, we examine an Iran International investigation revealing new details about “Department 40,” an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence and cyber unit known as Charming Kitten. Cybersecurity expert Amin Sabeti explains how leaked files show the unit tracking dissidents, diplomats, journalists, think tank experts -- and even hacking institutions in countries friendly to Tehran.Finally, we look at a separate investigation by an Iranian reformist newspaper uncovering that a licensed matchmaking platform in Iran is allowing parents to register children as young as 13 for marriage. Child rights advocate Nazanin Afshin-Jam explains why this platform will likely increase the number of child marriages in Iran especially with the fraught economic conditions. A look at US policy, Iran’s external activities, and the human rights issues unfolding inside the country — all in one episode.You can watch Eye for Iran on YouTube or listen on any podcast platform of your choosing.Contents of this video:00:00:00 US sends 12,000 troops near Venezuela – cold open and episode intro00:02:47 Venezuela, Iran and US planning – first question to Gen. Votel00:05:15 How Washington makes military decisions on Venezuela00:07:05 Indirect impact on Iran and messaging to Tehran00:09:24 Covert options and information warfare against Maduro00:13:46 Deterrence, 12,000 troops and message to other adversaries00:17:05 Votel’s time as CENTCOM commander and Iran’s influence in the region00:21:05 How to confront and engage Iran going forward00:24:15 Can the US sustain major deployments in the Caribbean and Middle East?00:26:37 Leak exposes IRGC Department 40 cyber unit00:30:36 Why Iran’s hackers target even friendly states00:35:50 How deep the hacks go and how to protect yourself00:39:04 Investigation: matchmaking platform and child marriage00:43:22 Nazanin’s past campaign saving a child bride from execution00:47:43 What the world can do to pressure Tehran on child marriage00:49:28 Outro – how to follow Eye for Iran#iran #venezuela #usa #trump #hacker #hack #children #centcom #narconews #podcast #shorts #youtube

Iran says it is ready to talk to the United States on its own terms and has paused uranium enrichment after US and Israeli strikes. At the same time Tehran is allegedly building a secret enrichment site at Pickaxe Mountain and blocking inspectors. This while a leaked UN watchdog report shows there is no clear oversight of its 60 percent enriched uranium - enough for around ten nuclear weapons.In this episode of Eye for Iran Negar Mojtahedi sits down with nonproliferation expert Mark Fitzpatrick, author of “The Iranian Nuclear Crisis,” former US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Non Proliferation and associate fellow with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). They break down Iran’s long-term strategy of nuclear hedging, why the Twelve Day War may have strengthened Tehran’s desire for a nuclear option and how Israel’s strikes have “temporized” but not ended the threat.They also explore what happens if Saudi Arabia secures a civilian nuclear deal with President Donald Trump, whether this could spark a regional nuclear arms race involving Egypt, Turkey and the UAE and if Iran might ever turn to North Korea for help. What is Washington’s real end game and how far will Israel go to block any US–Iran deal? Watch the full conversation to find out or listen on any podcast platform of your choosing.Contents of this video:0:00 Intro 01:23 – Introducing Mark Fitzpatrick01:59 – Iran’s long term nuclear hedging strategy04:26 – Growing calls inside Iran to pursue the bomb06:02 – Risks of a nuclear armed Iran and regional dominoes07:33 – Saudi nuclear ambitions and Trump meeting in DC09:03 – Could Saudi enrichment trigger a regional arms race10:55 – Iran–US negotiations and the zero enrichment deadlock13:21 – Israel’s strikes and the era of “temporizing”17:55 – Missing 60 percent uranium and IAEA blind spots20:12 – Did the Twelve Day War help or hurt long term stability31:37 – Could Iran turn to North Korea for nuclear help#iran #israel #saudiarabia #usa #trump #nuclear #podcast #news #youtube #shorts #middleeast

Iran is confronting one of the most serious environmental and geopolitical turning points in its modern history. In this edition of Eye for Iran, three critical conversations reveal how quickly conditions are shifting and what may come next for the region.The episode opens with Dr. Kaveh Madani, former senior Iranian environmental official and now head of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. He warns that Tehran is rapidly approaching what he calls Day Zero, with major reservoirs hitting dead storage, groundwater collapsing, and millions of residents at risk of losing reliable access to water. He explains why drought, climate pressure, and years of mismanagement have pushed Iran into national water bankruptcy.Professor Aram Hessami, a political science professor based in Maryland, then breaks down new reports suggesting that senior Israeli officials believe the window is closing to force major change in Iran before 2029. He explains what these claims actually signal about Israel’s strategy, why regime change rhetoric rarely matches reality, and how misreading the Iranian public could lead to deeper instability.Jasmine Naamou, who was in the room with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his historic visit to Washington, describes Syria’s emerging shift away from decades of Iranian influence and toward a closer alignment with the West. You can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on any podcast platform of your choosing.#iran #water #israel #syria #trump #usa #podcast #news #middleeast #youtube #shorts