Eye For Iran

Afleveringen

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  How Iran is preparing for a domestic war against its own people | Eye for Iran | EP 116 | 14.08.2026 1u 27min

  The war with Iran was supposed to change the equation.But before bombs fall, before presidents decide on war and peace, and before negotiators ever sit across from one another, there is intelligence.So what does someone who spent decades trying to understand Iran from inside the CIA see happening next?Eye for Iran’s Negar Mojtahedi spoke with Mark Fowler, a decorated former CIA case officer and Farsi speaker who spent 22 years at the agency, rising to the number two position on Iran and Iraq within the CIA and serving overseas as a Chief of Station.“We are in a test of wills,” Fowler said. “I just don’t know who will blink first.”Then, inside Iran, some very familiar faces are being put back in charge.The unseen Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has appointed six senior commanders across Iran’s armed forces, Revolutionary Guards and Basij, while veteran Guards commander Mohsen Rezaei has been handed one of the most powerful national security positions in the country.These aren’t young commanders being elevated to build a new Islamic Republic.They are veterans of the old one.So is Mojtaba Khamenei rebuilding the command structure for the next phase of war, consolidating his own power or preparing for unrest at home?Joining the discussion are Kamran Bokhari, senior resident fellow at the Middle East Policy Council and a strategic forecaster, Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, and Omid Memarian, senior Iran analyst at DAWN.“There’s been an undeclared coup by the Guard,” Bokhari said.Brodsky sees signs of an effort to balance competing power centers inside the IRGC.“I think we have some hints here that the system is trying to thread the needle among different camps within the IRGC, to try to hand out different positions to basically allow these different factions to have different aspects of the system under their control,” Brodsky said.Memarian argues one appointment in particular may reveal what the regime fears most.“Putting a veteran intelligence chief in charge of the Basij suggests that Tehran increasingly sees the foreign battlefield and the domestic street as two fronts of the same security challenge,” Memarian said. “The appointment was a sign of anxiety, not confidence.”And finally, preparations for unrest may extend beyond who controls the streets to how those streets themselves are designed.In some of Tehran’s most historic areas, the municipality is tearing up cobblestones and replacing them with asphalt.Iran International journalist Mehdi Sepahvand investigated what is happening and the long history of designing cities with security and social control in mind.“They are creating plain sight and direct shooting range for their forces,” Sepahvand said.His reporting examines why replacing cobblestones with asphalt could make it harder for protesters to congregate and easier for security forces and their vehicles to move through the streets.Taken together, the changes raise a bigger question: Is the Islamic Republic preparing not only for another confrontation abroad, but for the possibility of major unrest at home?And when the war ends, what happens at home?Watch Eye for Iran every Friday for three segments on the stories shaping Iran and its future.Subscribe on YouTube or listen on the podcast platform of your choice.Chapters:00:00 Coming Up02:41 CHAPTER 1: Inside the CIA’s Iran PlaybookMark Fowler — decorated former CIA case officer, Iran specialist and former Chief of StationFowler spent 22 years at the CIA, rising to the number two position on Iran and Iraq. He explains how human intelligence on Iran actually works, how intelligence reaches...
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  Bombs won't break Iran's regime, but money might | Eye for Iran | EP 115 | 07.08.2026 1u 14min

  Can financial pressure succeed where military strikes cannot?For months, the debate over Iran has focused on bombs, missiles and airstrikes. But what if the Islamic Republic's greatest vulnerability isn't military at all?In this episode of Eye for Iran, I sit down with Roger Macmillan, Counterterrorism and Security Specialist, and Miad Maleki, Senior US Sanctions Strategist, FDD Fellow and former US Treasury official, to explore why Iran's economy—and more specifically the regime's ability to pay the IRGC, Basij and its security apparatus—may be its greatest vulnerability. While the Islamic Republic has shown it can absorb military strikes, can it survive sustained financial pressure?Segment 2: Inside Iran’s sanctions-busting military supply networksKerri Bittsoff, former senior official at the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), spent years targeting the financial and procurement pipelines behind Iran's drones, missiles and nuclear program, disrupting the regime's ability to develop, indigenize and source critical components. Most recently, she led efforts to expose and disrupt Tehran's military supply chain to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine. She explains how China and Russia have become critical lifelines for Tehran, helping the regime procure advanced weapons, finance its activities and evade sanctions.Segment 3: Is the IRGC becoming the state?Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), and historian Shahram Kholdi examine how power inside Iran is shifting after the war. Has the IRGC eclipsed the country's civilian institutions? Is parliament becoming irrelevant? And what could the post-war power struggle mean for Iran's political future?If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and share. Please let us know what you think in comments below. Chapters: 00:00 Coming Up01:23 Roger Macmillan & Miad Maleki | Can Financial Pressure Break Iran?13:44 Iran's Achilles' Heel25:03 Kerri Bitsoff | Can the US Cut Off Iran's Lifelines?26:43 China's Weapons Pipeline to Iran30:03 How Iran Evades Sanctions37:51 Russia's Role in Arming Iran44:38 Are China and Russia Keeping Iran Alive?45:19 Alex Vatanka, Behnam Ben Taleblu & Shahram Kholdi | Is the IRGC Taking Over Iran?46:11 Has the IRGC Taken Over Iran?53:28 Is the IRGC United?1:00:57 Who Really Holds Power in Tehran?1:07:20 Who Speaks for Mojtaba Khamenei?1:13:22 Thanks for Watching#iran #iranuswar #scottbessent #china #russia #majlis #Iranpodcast #podcast #news #youtubeshorts #youtube #israel #ofac #middleeast
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  'Iran's executions are murders,' former UN prosecutor says | Eye for Iran | EP 114 | 31.07.2026 1u 27min

  Industrial cranes are meant to build cities. In Iran, they are increasingly being used as gallows.The public hanging of Amirhossein Safari and Abolfazl Sepahi in Isfahan has become a symbol of Iran's escalating execution campaign.As the world focuses on war, Iran is accelerating executions—prompting growing concern among human rights advocates and legal experts.In this episode of Eye for Iran, Professor Payam Akhavan, former UN Prosecutor and Human Rights Chair at Massey College, explains why he believes these are not lawful executions but arbitrary killings that may amount to crimes against humanity under international law."These are killings. They are murders. There is no legal justification whatsoever for these killings." — Professor Payam AkhavanWe then examine President Donald Trump's repeated promise to "finish the job" in Iran. What does that mean in practical terms? Admiral Robert Harward (Ret.), former Deputy Commander of US Central Command, and Blaise Misztal, Vice President of Policy at JINSA, discuss the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program and Washington's strategic objectives."Changing the government in Tehran has to be the ultimate end state." — Admiral Robert Harward (Ret.)"I don't think President Trump would consider this war concluded until steps have been taken to ensure that Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon." — Blaise MisztalFinally, Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, and Nicole Grajewski, Assistant Professor at Sciences Po, analyze Ukraine's unprecedented strike on an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea and what it reveals about the growing convergence between the wars in Ukraine and Iran."Perhaps the Iranians are thinking this was the West... using Ukraine as a way of sending a signal." — Alex Vatanka "The clear purpose... was to highlight how involved both Russia and Iran are in their respective wars." — Nicole GrajewskiGuestsGuests• Professor Payam Akhavan — Former UN Prosecutor; Human Rights Chair, Massey College, University of Toronto• Admiral Robert Harward (Ret.) — Former Deputy Commander, US Central Command• Blaise Misztal — Vice President of Policy, JINSA• Alex Vatanka — Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute• Nicole Grajewski — Assistant Professor, Sciences PoChapters: 00:00 Introduction02:04 Segment 1 | Professor Payam AkhavanFormer UN Prosecutor | Human Rights Chair, Massey College02:04 Iran's Public Hangings Return06:06 Why Is Iran Escalating Executions?08:00 The Courage of Iran's Protesters11:00 "These Are Murders," Says Former UN Prosecutor16:21 Who Could Be Prosecuted?17:56 Preserving Evidence for Future Trials21:11 Extermination vs. Genocide22:57 Responding to Massacre Deniers28:42 Segment 2 | Admiral Robert Harward & Blaise MisztalFormer Deputy Commander, US Central Command | Vice President of Policy, JINSA28:42 What Does Trump Mean by "Finish the Job"?31:20 Why Give Iran More Time?34:11 Does "Finish the Job" Mean Regime Change?40:33 Military Pressure vs. Iran's Internal Crackdown45:01 Pickaxe Mountain and Netanyahu50:51 Can Iran Rebuild?56:18 What's Next for Iran?59:19 Boots on the Ground?01:02:57 Segment 3 | Alex Vatanka & Nicole GrajewskiMiddle East Institute | Sciences Po01:02:57 Ukraine Strikes an Iranian Ship01:03:39 Was the Caspian Strike a Warning?01:08:33 Is Ukraine Acting as a Proxy?01:12:28 Will the Caspian Sea Become Militarized?01:16:08 How Ukraine Changed Iran-Russia Relations01:20:13 What's Next for Iran, Russia and Ukraine?01:25:30 Closing Remarks#iran #iranexecutions #humanrights #trump...
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  Are US strikes laying the groundwork for a wider Iran war? | Eye for Iran | EP 113 | 24.07.2026 1u 31min

  What is the United States really trying to achieve with its expanding military campaign inside Iran?As US strikes move deeper into Iran, targeting military sites, logistics networks and critical infrastructure, many are asking: What is Washington's endgame? At the same time, executions inside Iran are accelerating as the world's attention remains fixed on the war, while Gulf states brace for what could come next.In Episode 113 of Eye for Iran, we examine what the US strikes on Iran really add up to, why executions are increasing during the conflict and how the war is reshaping security across the Persian Gulf.John Spencer — Executive Director of the Urban Warfare Institute, retired US Army officer and renowned war scholar — explains what the United States is trying to achieve inside Iran, why Bandar Abbas has become a strategic focus and whether Washington is preparing for a broader phase of the campaign.Azadeh Afsahi, founder of Iran House, Shahin Milani, Executive Director of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, and Brandon Silver, Director of Policy and Projects at the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, examine the surge in executions inside Iran and explain why they believe the Islamic Republic fears its own people as much as it fears foreign militaries. Why the Islamic Republic is using the war to ramp up executions as the worlds attention focus on the bombs and not the hangings. Saad Bin Tefla Al-Ajmi, former Minister of Information of Kuwait, explains how Gulf states are responding as the conflict moves closer to their borders, why Kuwait has become increasingly vulnerable and why he believes Iran faces its own "chalice of poison" moment.Subscribe to Eye for Iran for exclusive interviews, in-depth reporting and expert analysis on Iran, US-Iran relations, the Middle East, the Persian Gulf and global security.#iran #usiran #kuwait #war #podcast #news #iranpodcast #irannews
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  Why are US strikes moving deeper into Iran? | Eye for Iran | EP 112 | 17.07.2026 1u 9min

  Why are US strikes moving deeper into southern Iran—and what is Washington really trying to achieve?As attacks hit bridges, transport links and facilities around Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, the conflict appears to be entering a more dangerous phase. At the same time, a leaked Iranian presidency report reveals record public anger, while new economic data shows that barely 37 percent of working-age Iranians have jobs.This week on Eye for Iran, three segments examine the military, political and economic pressures closing in on the Islamic Republic.SEGMENT ONE: WHY THE SOUTH?Rebeccah Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and Director of the Keystone Defense Initiative at Hudson Institute, examines why US strikes are moving deeper into southern Iran.What is the strategic importance of Chabahar, Bandar Abbas and Iran’s southern transport network? Are the attacks focused solely on weakening Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz—or do they signal a broader US military strategy? Heinrichs also discusses President Donald Trump’s comments about possible ground troops and whether limited special operations could become part of the campaign.SEGMENT TWO: IRAN’S PRIVATE WARNINGA confidential report prepared for Iran’s presidency records what it describes as the highest national anger level ever measured and finds that nine in ten Iranians want some form of change.Arash Sohrabi, Iran International reporter, Dr. Shahram Kholdi, Iran historian and Siavash Rokni, Iranian pop culture expert and political commentator, examine what the leaked report reveals about the country’s mood.They discuss collapsing trust, growing secular identity, widespread hopelessness and the striking gap between the patriotic unity shown on state television and what the government’s own survey found behind closed doors.The report recommends managing public anger—not addressing its underlying causes. Can the Islamic Republic contain a society that increasingly separates defending Iran from defending the regime?SEGMENT THREE: IRAN’S HIDDEN JOBS CRISISIran’s official unemployment rate is only 7.5 percent. Yet barely 37 percent of working-age Iranians are employed.Mohammad Machine-Chian, economist and Director of International Affairs at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, explains how millions of discouraged workers disappear from Iran’s unemployment statistics.He examines the impact of wartime job losses, Iran’s exceptionally low female labour-force participation and an economy expected to contract sharply. Could effective unemployment be approaching one in three—and how much more pressure can Iranian society absorb?Eye for Iran examines the latest developments in the US-Iran conflict, southern Iran, Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s internal political crisis, public anger, unemployment and the future of the Islamic Republic.Subscribe for weekly interviews and analysis on Iran and the Mideast. #iran #usiran #chabaharport #straitofhormuz #iraneconomy #iranprotests #middleeast #geopolitics #eyeforIran #shorts #news #podcast #iranpodcast #youtube
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  Is the Iran-US MoU dead—or working exactly as intended? | Eye for Iran | EP 111 | 10.07.2026 1u 28min

  Just weeks after Washington and Tehran agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), commercial vessels are under attack, the Strait of Hormuz is back in the headlines and President Trump says the agreement is over.But what if everyone is asking the wrong question?Was the Iran-US MoU ever meant to deliver peace—or was it designed to manage conflict while both sides pursued their own strategic goals?In this episode of Eye for Iran, Negar Mojtahedi is joined by:• Jonathan Sayeh – Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)• Arash Azizi – Historian and contributing writer, The Atlantic• Fatima Al-Asrar – Washington Center for Yemeni Studies• Itai Reuveni – NGO Monitor• Hossein Mansour – JINSA Fellow and author of After the Ayatollah• Khosrow Esfahani – National Union for Democracy in IranThey discuss:• Why Iran targeted commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz• Whether Tehran is risking billions in sanctions relief• Is the IRGC acting independently?• Has the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding already failed?• Did Ali Khamenei's death end Velayat-e Faqih?• Is political Islam entering a new era?• Why Western media covered Khamenei's funeral more than Iran's January massacre• What comes next for Iran, Israel, the United States and the Middle East.Eye for Iran goes beyond the headlines with expert analysis on Iran, the Middle East and global security.Chapters: 00:00 Iran-US strikes, Hormuz and Khamenei’s funeral01:28 Is the Iran-US MoU already dead?02:19 Was the MoU ever designed to bring peace?06:15 Can Washington and Tehran get back on track?12:43 Has Iran crossed the line in the Strait of Hormuz?13:30 Can Iran’s government actually control the IRGC?18:33 Why attack ships when Iran stands to make billions?22:11 Is Tehran’s gamble paying off?23:17 What the Houthis taught Iran about US power30:56 Peace agreement or a framework for managed conflict?44:25 Did Khamenei take Velayat-e Faqih with him?46:56 What Iran’s transformation means for its proxies48:47 The afterlife of political Islam52:07 Could post-Khamenei Iran become even more brutal?54:53 The origins of Velayat-e Faqih58:28 Who is really ruling Iran now?1:00:27 Is Sharia losing its political power?1:03:00 Will “Death to America” outlive political Islam?1:05:50 Iran brings 400 foreign influencers to Khamenei’s funeral1:11:09 Why was Iran’s January massacre largely ignored?1:14:38 The propaganda battle over Khamenei’s funeral1:28:14 Closing thoughts#iran #khamenei #tehran #irgc #information #trump #hormoz #usa #Israel #islam #youtubeshorts #youtube #podcast #news
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  The Islamic Republic's next battle is internal | Eye for Iran Ep. 110 03.07.2026 1u 28min

  Something has shifted inside Tehran.Not because the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is about to disappear—but because members of Iran's establishment are openly debating ideas that would have been politically unthinkable just months ago.The war may be over—for now. But inside Tehran, the battle over the Islamic Republic's future is only beginning.Who is gaining ground? Is the Islamic Republic preparing to reinvent itself—or simply searching for a new way to survive? And what could post-war Iran actually look like?This week on Eye for Iran, we go beyond the headlines to examine the growing power struggle inside Tehran, the future of the Islamic Republic, what it means for ordinary Iranians facing economic hardship and uncertainty, and why the crackdown on Christians continues despite talk of change.Guests include Middle East Institute Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran Program Senior Director Behnam Ben Taleblu, historian Dr. Shahram Kholdi, Iran International correspondent Maryam Sinaiee, human rights lawyer Omid Shams, and Mansour Borji, Advocacy Director at Article 18.Topics: Iran, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Islamic Republic, post-war Iran, Iran politics, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran economy, Iranian Christians, religious persecution, Eye for Iran.00:00 Has the Islamic Republic entered a new era?01:39 Is the IRGC really being dismantled?10:17 The interview Tehran didn't want you to see15:35 Inside the regime's power struggle20:45 Who is really running Iran now?26:47 Military dictatorship or managed transition?31:46 Can the Islamic Republic survive?40:39 What life is really like inside Iran47:53 Why Iranians feel stuck in limbo55:20 What the Iranian people want next01:06:06 Iran's oldest Persian church under threat01:16:27 The crackdown on Christian converts01:21:01 Why the regime is acting now01:26:00 What's next for Iran's Christians?#iran #khamenei #irgc #christian #christianity #iranian #economy #islamicrepublic #news #podcast #youtube #shorts
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  Trump's Iran MoU explained: how Iran gets billions—and why | Eye for Iran 109 26.06.2026 1u 26min

  The new US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) could unlock tens of billions of dollars for Tehran and fundamentally reshape Iran's economic and political future. Host Negar Mojtahedi speaks with former US Treasury sanctions official Max Meizlish, economist Mohamad Machine-Chian, former US military intelligence officer Michael Pregent, and Iran analyst Omid Memarian to explain what the agreement means for sanctions, the IRGC, Qatar, China and post-Khamenei Sr. Iran.In this episode:Max Meizlish, a former Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) official, explains why General License X could provide "unconditioned, unrestricted sanctions relief," potentially giving Tehran access to tens of billions of dollars. He argues the IRGC stands to receive a significant financial windfall and warns that China could emerge as one of the agreement's biggest beneficiaries.Mohamad Machine-Chian examines whether the agreement can stabilize Iran's economy. He explains why FATF restrictions, Iran's isolated banking system and entrenched corruption remain major obstacles, while arguing the new funds could help Iran's Central Bank avoid a deeper inflation crisis.Former US military intelligence officer Michael Pregent argues Qatar wielded extraordinary influence during the negotiations, warning that "Every Qatari negotiated outcome is a failure for US national security." He explains why he believes the agreement echoes the concessions made during the JCPOA and what it could mean for future US policy toward Iran.Omid Memarian, Director of Communications at DAWN, says the Islamic Republic is entering an "identity crisis" following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He predicts the next battle will unfold inside the regime itself, as competing factions fight to define Iran's future and the next phase of the Islamic Republic.Topics covered:Trump's Iran MOU explainedGeneral License XIran sanctions reliefIran oil exportsThe IRGC and Iran's economyFrozen Iranian assetsQatar's role in the negotiationsChina's influence in IranFATF and Iran's banking systemPost-Khamenei IranInternal power struggles inside the Islamic RepublicUS-Iran relationsMiddle East geopoliticsIf you enjoy in-depth reporting and expert analysis on Iran and the Middle East, subscribe to Eye for Iran and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.#iran #iranpodcast #mou #qatar #jdvance #witkoff #kushner #youtube #middleeast #shorts #trump #economy
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  The Iran-US MoU explained: what it means for Iranian people | Eye for Iran 108 19.06.2026 1u 4min

  Did the new US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding hand Tehran a major victory?In this episode of Eye for Iran, host Negar Mojtahedi breaks down the controversial MOU with former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker, who argues the agreement delivers significant benefits to the Islamic Republic while leaving major questions unanswered on Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles and regional proxies.Then, human rights activist Gazelle Sharmahd joins the program to discuss the reaction among many Iranians who had hoped recent events would lead to meaningful change. Sharmahd reflects on the kidnapping and killing of her father Jamshid Sharmahd, the ongoing executions inside Iran and why she believes many Iranians feel abandoned by the international community.Finally, Iran International correspondent Alireza Modiri and actress and activist Shiva Negar discuss the FIFA World Cup and the emotions surrounding Team Melli. For many Iranians, football has become about far more than sport. From Lion and Sun flags in the stands to debates over national identity, the World Cup has become a reflection of the deep divisions and complicated feelings shaping modern Iran.Topics:• US-Iran MOU explained• Did Iran win the deal?• David Schenker's analysis• Gazelle Sharmahd on her father's murder• Human rights in Iran• Team Melli and the FIFA World Cup• Lion and Sun flags• Why Iranians are divided• Iran, Hezbollah and Lebanon• The future of US-Iran relationsGuests:David Schenker – Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and Senior Fellow at The Washington InstituteGazelle Sharmahd – Human Rights Activist and daughter of Jamshid SharmahdAlireza Modiri – Correspondent, Iran InternationalShiva Negar – Actress and ActivistHost:Negar MojtahediSubscribe for more Eye for Iran interviews, analysis and reporting from inside and outside Iran.Chapters: 00:01: 39 Did Iran Win the MOU? | David Schenker Breaks Down the Deal00:22:42 "Iranians Feel Betrayed" | Gazelle Sharmahd on the Human Cost00:39:41 FIFA & Team Melli | Why Iranians Are Divided at the World Cup#iran #trump #lebanon #israel #MOU #irandeal #podcast #news #irannews #iranpodcast #youtube #sportify #shorts
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  Arab world losing the Mideast, experts say | Eye for Iran 106 12.06.2026 1u 21min

  As Lebanon becomes central to Iran’s conditions for a broader US-Iran deal, this episode of Eye for Iran asks what the war has really changed — and what comes next.Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a veteran US Middle East negotiator, says Iran is using Lebanon to pressure both Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, trying to establish a new equation around Hezbollah. He also argues the future balance of power in the Middle East may increasingly belong to three non-Arab powers: Israel, Turkey and Iran.Elliott Abrams, former US Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela, says Washington still fails to grasp the nature of the Islamic Republic and warns that no deal can solve the deeper problem posed by the regime itself.Mohamed Fahmy, Egyptian-Canadian veteran journalist and Middle East political analyst, recently returned from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He says the war has left “a scar” across the Arab world. Is the Iran war ending — or is Lebanon becoming the first battle over the Middle East that comes after it?#iran #lebanon #middleeast #podcast #youtube
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  Can Trump crack Iran’s delay-and-negotiate playbook? Eye for Iran 106 11.06.2026 1u 5min

  For decades, Iran has frustrated presidents, diplomats, and negotiators. Has it finally met its match?In Episode 106 of Eye for Iran, we examine the strategy, pressure and power dynamics shaping the latest standoff between Washington and Tehran—and whether Donald Trump is succeeding where previous administrations fell short.Former US diplomat Alberto Fernandez, United Against Nuclear Iran Policy Director Jason Brodsky, and Daily Mail Special Correspondent David Patrikarakos break down Trump's negotiating style, Iran's long-standing playbook of delay and resistance, and the growing debate over whether Tehran has finally encountered an opponent willing to combine diplomacy, economic pressure and military force to change the calculus. Has Iran met its match—or is it once again playing the long game? And even if a deal is reached, could future military strikes still be on the table?We then turn to the Strait of Hormuz, where Homayoun Falakshahi, who leads Kpler's crude oil analysis team, explains why one of Iran's most important sources of leverage may be losing its value. As Persian Gulf states invest in alternative export routes and global energy markets adapt to disruption, we explore whether Tehran is overplaying its hand—and why the next five years could leave the Islamic Republic with fewer strategic cards to play than it has today.Finally, from Beirut, Iran International Lebanon Correspondent May Farhat discusses Hezbollah's weakened position, Lebanon's efforts to curb Iranian influence, and growing concerns that Tehran is tying Lebanon's future to its broader confrontation with the United States and Israel. In a striking rebuke this week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Iran of using Lebanon as a "bargaining chip" in its negotiations with Washington and told the IRGC: "It's not your country, it's our country." His comments reflect a growing frustration among Lebanese leaders who argue that their country has paid the price for conflicts driven by outside powers. Meanwhile, Trump claimed progress in efforts to end the fighting, telling reporters, "We actually spoke with Hezbollah for the first time ever. We didn't know they spoke."But with Hezbollah rejecting a new ceasefire proposal and Israel insisting it will not withdraw its forces, we ask whether Lebanon risks becoming a bargaining chip in a much larger regional struggle—or whether Beirut is finally beginning to push back against Tehran's influence in a way that could reshape the country's future.Featuring:• Alberto Fernandez – Former US Diplomat and Vice President of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI)• Jason Brodsky – Policy Director, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI)• David Patrikarakos – Daily Mail Special Correspondent and Author• Homayoun Falakshahi – Head of Crude Oil Analysis, Kpler• May Farhat – Iran International Lebanon CorrespondentTopics discussed:• Trump-Iran negotiations• Iran's negotiating strategy• Iran's nuclear program• The Strait of Hormuz• Global oil markets and energy security• China-Iran relations• Hezbollah and Lebanon• Iranian influence in the Middle East• US foreign policy and regional securityChapters: 0:00:00 Introduction to podcast 0:01:51 Segment 1: Has Iran finally met its match? We examine whether Donald Trump's mix of diplomacy, economic pressure and military threats is succeeding where previous administrations failed—and whether Tehran is genuinely on the defensive or simply buying time.0:33:27 Segment 2: The Strait of Hormuz has long been one of Iran's most powerful tools of leverage, but as global energy markets adapt and the Persian Gulf states diversify export...
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  Can Trump crack Iran’s delay-and-negotiate playbook? Eye for Iran 106 05.06.2026 1u 5min

  For decades, Iran has frustrated presidents, diplomats, and negotiators. Has it finally met its match?In Episode 106 of Eye for Iran, we examine the strategy, pressure and power dynamics shaping the latest standoff between Washington and Tehran—and whether Donald Trump is succeeding where previous administrations fell short.Former US diplomat Alberto Fernandez, United Against Nuclear Iran Policy Director Jason Brodsky, and Daily Mail Special Correspondent David Patrikarakos break down Trump's negotiating style, Iran's long-standing playbook of delay and resistance, and the growing debate over whether Tehran has finally encountered an opponent willing to combine diplomacy, economic pressure and military force to change the calculus. Has Iran met its match—or is it once again playing the long game? And even if a deal is reached, could future military strikes still be on the table?We then turn to the Strait of Hormuz, where Homayoun Falakshahi, who leads Kpler's crude oil analysis team, explains why one of Iran's most important sources of leverage may be losing its value. As Persian Gulf states invest in alternative export routes and global energy markets adapt to disruption, we explore whether Tehran is overplaying its hand—and why the next five years could leave the Islamic Republic with fewer strategic cards to play than it has today.Finally, from Beirut, Iran International Lebanon Correspondent May Farhat discusses Hezbollah's weakened position, Lebanon's efforts to curb Iranian influence, and growing concerns that Tehran is tying Lebanon's future to its broader confrontation with the United States and Israel. In a striking rebuke this week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Iran of using Lebanon as a "bargaining chip" in its negotiations with Washington and told the IRGC: "It's not your country, it's our country." His comments reflect a growing frustration among Lebanese leaders who argue that their country has paid the price for conflicts driven by outside powers. Meanwhile, Trump claimed progress in efforts to end the fighting, telling reporters, "We actually spoke with Hezbollah for the first time ever. We didn't know they spoke."But with Hezbollah rejecting a new ceasefire proposal and Israel insisting it will not withdraw its forces, we ask whether Lebanon risks becoming a bargaining chip in a much larger regional struggle—or whether Beirut is finally beginning to push back against Tehran's influence in a way that could reshape the country's future.Featuring:• Alberto Fernandez – Former US Diplomat and Vice President of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI)• Jason Brodsky – Policy Director, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI)• David Patrikarakos – Daily Mail Special Correspondent and Author• Homayoun Falakshahi – Head of Crude Oil Analysis, Kpler• May Farhat – Iran International Lebanon CorrespondentTopics discussed:• Trump-Iran negotiations• Iran's negotiating strategy• Iran's nuclear program• The Strait of Hormuz• Global oil markets and energy security• China-Iran relations• Hezbollah and Lebanon• Iranian influence in the Middle East• US foreign policy and regional securityChapters: 0:00:00 Introduction to podcast 0:01:51 Segment 1: Has Iran finally met its match? We examine whether Donald Trump's mix of diplomacy, economic pressure and military threats is succeeding where previous administrations failed—and whether Tehran is genuinely on the defensive or simply buying time.0:33:27 Segment 2: The Strait of Hormuz has long been one of Iran's most powerful tools of leverage, but as global energy markets adapt and the Persian Gulf states diversify export...
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  Is Trump giving Iran's regime a lifeline? Eye for Iran 105 29.05.2026 1u 43min

  Is a new US-Iran deal on the horizon—or is Tehran being thrown a lifeline at one of the most vulnerable moments in its history?As reports of renewed negotiations intensify, major questions remain. Is the Islamic Republic negotiating from a position of weakness or strength? Has Iran emerged damaged by war and economic pressure, or can its leadership still claim victory?Host Negar Mojtahedi is joined by former US Treasury official, FDD research fellow and former CENTCOM official Miad Maleki, alongside former Canadian government official, University of Ottawa professor and Chatham House associate fellow Thomas Juneau, to debate the state of the negotiations, Iran’s vulnerabilities, and what a deal could mean for the future of the Islamic Republic.Then, foreign policy commentator Mohamed Amersi joins Eye for Iran with a rare perspective from someone who regularly engages with Iranian officials, as well as Chinese, Russian, Arab and Western policymakers. He shares what he is hearing behind the scenes and why Tehran’s leadership may view the current moment very differently from many analysts in Washington.Finally, investigative reporter Jay Solomon of The Free Press and security expert Roger Macmillan examine allegations that Iran-linked proxy networks are expanding beyond the Middle East. From Europe to North America, they discuss growing security concerns, recruitment tactics, and what Western governments are doing to respond.In this episode:• Is a US-Iran deal getting closer?• Has the Islamic Republic been weakened by war and sanctions?• What is Tehran’s leadership really thinking behind closed doors?• Could a deal help the regime survive?• What role are China, Russia and Gulf states playing?• Are Iran-linked proxy networks expanding into Europe and North America?• What are the implications for Western security and Jewish communities?Chapters:00:02:04:18 - 00:40:31:14 Is Trump Giving Iran's Regime a Lifeline?00:40:34:14 - 01:17:46:17 Inside Tehran: What are Islamic Republic Really Thinking01:17:49:10 - 01:42:56:23 Iran's Proxy Network Goes Global#iran #trump #israel #irannucleardeal #middleeast #shorts #youtube #podcast #news Miyad Maleki and Thomas Juneau debate the potential US-Iran deal, whether Tehran is negotiating from weakness, and what any agreement could mean for the future of the Islamic Republic.
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  Will a US deal with Tehran save the regime? | Eye for Iran | EP 104 | 22.05.2026 53min

  Is Iran heading toward a nuclear deal — or another war?As negotiations intensify, Tehran is threatening to expand the conflict beyond the Middle East while Israel remains on high alert. But behind the headlines lies a much bigger story: Iran’s growing attempt to turn the Strait of Hormuz into a geopolitical toll booth.In this episode of Eye for Iran, Negar Mojtahedi is joined by former U.S. State Department Senior Advisor Hazem Alghabra, former U.S. Treasury sanctions official Max Meizlish, Middle East analyst Hayvi Bouzo and national security expert Shayan Samii to break down:• Is Trump bluffing — or preparing for more war with Iran?• Could a new nuclear deal actually help the Islamic Republic survive?• Is China enabling Iran’s sanctions evasion and regional influence?• Why Tehran’s “Hormuz toll booth” strategy could trigger a global economic confrontation• Reports alleging Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was once considered in a post-Khamenei scenario• Internal fractures inside the Iranian regime• Whether economic pressure — not military strikes — is now the real battlefield“The Iranian people do not need rockets, they do not need drones, the Iranian people need to live.”WATCH UNTIL THE END for the explosive discussion on Ahmadinejad, Mossad, the New York Times report and the growing debate over what comes after the Islamic Republic.00:00 Segment 1 — Deal or No Deal? War or No War?Guest: Hazem Alghabra00:00 Intro — Is Iran Heading Toward Diplomacy or More War?02:19 Trump, Tehran & Israel’s High Alert Status03:27 Iran’s Internal Power Struggle Explained07:20 Could Economic Pressure Bring Down the Regime?08:28 Trump’s Negotiation Strategy & Iran Fatigue09:02 Russia, China & Europe’s Role in the Crisis11:08 “The Iranian People Need to Live”13:25 Segment 2 — China, Hormuz & Iran’s Toll Booth StrategyGuest: Max Meizlish13:25 Iran’s New “Hormuz Toll Booth” Explained14:01 China’s Role in Iran’s Sanctions Evasion16:04 Can the U.S. Punish China for Supporting Tehran?19:35 Why Washington Isn’t Using Maximum Economic Pressure21:50 Could Economic Warfare Weaken Both Iran & China?25:06 Is Iran Formalizing Control Over the Strait of Hormuz?27:56 Why China Needs Hormuz Open29:28 China’s Quiet Negotiations With Tehran30:53 Iran’s Alleged $2 Million Transit Fees32:59 Segment 3 — Ahmadinejad, Mossad & The NYT ReportGuests: Hayvi Bouzo & Shayan Samii33:08 The New York Times Report Explained34:08 Who Is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?37:39 Ahmadinejad’s Record: Holocaust Denial & the Green Movement39:17 Was the NYT Report Deliberately Leaked?43:05 Is the Regime Turning on Ahmadinejad?45:15 Internal IRGC Infighting & Succession Chaos49:14 Could Ahmadinejad Ever Return?51:54 Was the Leak Meant to Distract Iran’s Leadership?53:20 Final Thoughts & Outro#iran #trump #israel #china #hormuz #iranwar #nucleardeal #middleeast #irgc #MahmoudAhmadinejad #geopolitics #EyeForIran
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  Can Iran’s Economy Survive the Internet Blackout and Economic Fury? | Eye for Iran 103 15.05.2026 45min

  In episode 103 of Eye for Iran, Mohamad Machine-Chian is filling in for Negar Mojtahedi. In this episode, Holly Dagres, senior fellow at Washington Institute discusses the continued internet blackout in Iran. Operation Epic Fury may be over but Operation Economic Fury is just getting started. Siamak Javadi, from Texas University explains what's next for Iran’s  economy.#iraninternational #Iraninternational #ایران_اینترنشنال
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  The price of oil and the future of Hormuz 08.05.2026 54min

  The Strait of Hormuz remains closed and the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues. Can Tehran weaponize Hormuz for years to come? Are Iranian oil fields nearing the point of no return? In episode 102 of Eye for Iran, two energy experts assess the potential scenarios ahead.#Iraninternational #ایران_اینترنشنال
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  Canada let Iran football chief linked to IRGC in — then got caught | Eye for Iran | EP 101| 01.05.2026 1u 8min

  An Iran International exclusive has triggered a political firestorm in Ottawa — after Mehdi Taj, Iran’s football chief and a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence commander, was granted entry into Canada despite being legally inadmissible under the country’s own terrorist designation.Taj was issued a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) — a rare override used to bypass national security inadmissibility — allowing him to travel to Vancouver for a FIFA Congress. But after the story broke and public pressure mounted, he was stopped at the airport and sent back.Now, Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing mounting questions:Who approved the permit? Why was an IRGC-linked figure allowed in? And did the government only act after being exposed?Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, joins Eye for Iran to demand accountability, warning that this case exposes deeper failures in Canada’s immigration system, national security screening and enforcement of its own IRGC terror listing.But this story doesn’t stop at Canada.At the same time, the UK is facing a surge in violent attacks targeting Jewish communities — including a stabbing in Golders Green, attempted synagogue firebombings and arson attacks on Jewish ambulances. British authorities are now investigating whether these attacks are linked to Iran and a shadow network known as HAYI (Harakat al-Shabab al-Yamin al-Islamiyah).Alex Winston of The Jerusalem Post explains why intelligence officials fear this reflects a broader Iranian strategy: proxy networks, online radicalizationand sleeper cells recruited across EuropeLen Khodorkovsky, former U.S. State Department official, breaks down the war of narratives, Trump’s warning to Iran and how the regime is using internet blackouts and information control to hide unrest and shape global perception.This episode connects the dots between immigration policy, terrorism and the Islamic Republic’s global reach — and asks critical questions.Guests: Melissa Lantsman, Len Khodorkovsky, Alex WinstonHost: Negar MojtahediProgram: Eye for IranEye for Iran is a podcast series brought you by Iran International that takes you beyond the headlines and brings you the Iran stories that matter most. Chapters: 00:00 Opening Highlights | Taj turned away, Trump warning, UK Jewish attacks02:15 Melissa Lantsman | How did Mehdi Taj get a permit?03:25 Melissa Lantsman | “Somebody issued him a permit”05:16 Melissa Lantsman | IRGC concerns in Canada07:42 Melissa Lantsman | “They circumvented the rules”08:51 Melissa Lantsman | Who approved Taj’s entry?10:09 Melissa Lantsman | Canada’s privacy excuse11:27 Melissa Lantsman | Parliament demands answers12:09 Melissa Lantsman | Did Canada act only after being exposed?13:41 Melissa Lantsman | Canada’s wider IRGC problem15:44 Melissa Lantsman | Ottawa’s confusing response16:47 Melissa Lantsman | What happens next?18:47 Alex Winston | UK Jewish attacks and possible Iran links19:41 Alex Winston | Golders Green, synagogue firebombings and HAYI20:07 Alex Winston | Iran’s external operations playbook22:30 Alex Winston | Telegram, IRGC-linked media and proxy networks24:03 Alex Winston | Why proving Iran links is difficult26:39 Alex Winston | Was HAYI born out of the war?27:38 Alex Winston | How Iran takes the war to the West29:45 Alex Winston | Is the West waking up?30:51 Alex Winston | Is regime change the only solution?32:38 Alex Winston | Where the war could go next36:01 Alex Winston | Fears of more sleeper-cell attacks38:02 Len Khodorkovsky | Iran, messaging and information warfare38:27 Len Khodorkovsky | America’s message to Iran’s regime and people
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  Tehran turns on itself as Iran’s regime fractures | Eye for Iran | EP 100 | 24.04.2026 1u 30min

  Veteran journalist Eli Lake of The Free Press and host of the Breaking History podcast joins Eye for Iran to discuss real fractures inside Iran’s regime, why Tehran’s leadership may be turning on itself and how internal power struggles could eventually bring down the Islamic Republic from within. Lake says Iran’s rulers now need a deal more than Washington does, and argues any negotiations should begin with restoring internet access, freeing political prisoners and ending executions.Lake also offers hope for Iran’s future, saying the Iranian people remain the country’s greatest strength: “You cannot keep these people down.”Hudson Institute research fellow Zineb Riboua then breaks down China’s growing anxiety over the Strait of Hormuz, Beijing’s weakening leverage over Tehran, Iran-China ties and whether Operation Epic Fury is really about weakening China’s position in the Middle East.Finally, Iran International journalist Shervin Shahrestani reveals his major investigation into Iran’s expanding influence network in Kashmir and India, including ideological outreach, funding networks and why some call the region a “Mini Iran.”A special 100th episode covering Iran regime fractures, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, China, the IRGC and the fight for Iran’s future.Contents for this video:00:00 Intro: Tehran Turns on Itself? Fractures in Iran’s Regime02:16 Eli Lake Joins Eye for Iran02:38 What Is Really Happening Between US and Iran?05:25 Why Give Tehran More Time?06:03 Eli Lake: Put Iranian People First07:56 Any Deal Must Include Internet & Prisoners11:51 Xi Jinping Pressures Tehran Over Hormuz12:57 Are Iran’s Internal Fractures Real?17:35 Can the Islamic Republic Fall From Within?24:38 Why Even Ahmadinejad Is Criticizing the Regime27:56 How Change Could Happen Inside Iran32:54 Biggest Bet: Collapse From Within34:43 Are Negotiations Psychological Warfare?36:03 Iran’s Nuclear Program & What Comes Next40:25 Eli Lake: “You Cannot Keep These People Down”46:01 Eli Lake on His Iran Podcast Series52:31 Zineb Riboua Joins Eye for Iran52:32 Why China Suddenly Spoke on Strait of Hormuz56:30 Beijing’s Weakness Exposed?58:32 Is China Panicking?01:02:16 What China Stands to Lose01:05:28 Is Operation Epic Fury Really About Weakening China?01:07:45 Are US and Israel Fully Aligned?01:09:22 What to Watch Next: Gulf States & China01:12:27 Shervin Shahrestani Joins Eye for Iran01:13:00 Iran’s Influence Network in Kashmir01:15:02 Why Kashmir Is Called “Mini Iran”01:19:54 How Tehran Builds Influence in India01:22:30 Security Risks: Sleeper Cells & Lone Wolves?01:26:21 Why This Story Matters Now01:28:19 Is Iran More Dangerous After the War?01:30:16 Final Thoughts / Subscribe#iran #iranwar #israel #trump #nuclear #podcast #news #usa #youtube #shorts #middleeast
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  Iran war: ceasefire holds, Strait of Hormuz reopens — what now? | Eye for Iran | EP 99 | 17.04.2026 1u 30min

  A fragile ceasefire may be holding between the United States and Iran — but is the war really over, or just paused?As the Strait of Strait of Hormuz reopens after weeks of disruption, new questions are emerging about the true impact of the conflict: who’s actually winning, how much pressure the Islamic Republic is under, and whether this moment leads to a deal — or another round of escalation.On this episode of Eye for Iran, Charlie Brown, Senior Advisor at United Against Nuclear Iran, and Dr. Iman Nasseri, Managing Director for the Middle East at FGE, break down the maritime and economic battlefield — from Iran’s shadow fleet and sanctions evasion networks to the real timeline for when a blockade actually hits Tehran’s economy.We also examine the nuclear file with Dr. David Albright, Founder of the Institute for Science and International Security, who warns that while Iran’s ability to build a bomb may have been set back, its incentive to pursue one could be growing.And in a stunning regional development, Lebanon and Israel hold direct talks for the first time in decades. Hussain Abdul-Hussain, Research Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, explains what this could mean for Hezbollah, Lebanon’s sovereignty, and whether Iran’s grip on the region is beginning to weaken.Is this the beginning of the end — or just the calm before the next phase of conflict?Watch Eye for Iran.Recorded just before the Strait of Hormuz reopened, offering a real-time snapshot of a rapidly shifting situation.Chapters:00:00 Is the Iran war really over?00:39 Hormuz reopens: what it means now02:07 Conflicting narratives: is Iran winning or losing?03:22 Can Iran survive the blockade?05:15 How long until sanctions actually hit?07:54 What’s really happening at sea right now11:44 Will the next 10 days change everything?15:11 Is Iran still making money from oil?17:32 Shadow fleet & sanctions evasion explained19:01 Shadow banking crackdown: does it work?22:10 U.S. strategy: pressure or regime change?26:19 What’s the endgame here?Nuclear file segment32:16 Can Iran still build a nuclear weapon?36:54 Could Iran be hiding enriched uranium?43:23 Is Iran now a greater long-term threat?49:09 Where do global powers stand?53:52 Why regime change isn’t so simple57:59 What has this war actually achieved?01:03:32 Missiles, drones & future threats01:06:12 Are we heading toward another war?Lebanon / regional shift segment01:06:35 Historic Lebanon-Israel talks explained01:08:39 Is Lebanon breaking away from Iran?01:10:42 Does Hezbollah still have power?01:11:52 What do Lebanese people really think?01:15:26 How Lebanese view Iran’s role01:17:54 Iran’s internal divisions revealed01:19:02 Decoupling Lebanon from Iran01:23:32 Is Iran weakening across the region?01:27:02 Could Lebanon normalize with Israel?01:29:57 Final thoughts & what comes next#Iran #IranWar #MiddleEast #StraitOfHormuz #Hormuz #OilMarkets #Geopolitics #USIran #Israel #Lebanon #Hezbollah #NuclearDeal #EnergyCrisis #BreakingNews #EyeForIran
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  Iran-US ceasefire: pause before escalation or deal? | Eye for Iran | EP 98 | 10.04.2026 1u 10min

  A fragile ceasefire appears to be in place between Iran and the United States, but is it really a ceasefire, or simply a brief pause before a new phase of conflict?In this episode of Eye for Iran, former CIA analyst and former National Security Council director Ken Pollack explains why he believes both sides may not have agreed to the same terms, and why the current moment could still lead to renewed escalation. He also warns that if this war ends with the regime intact, the Iranian people may once again be left to pay the price.Then, writer, activist, and Middle East expert Dalia Ziada breaks down the regional fallout. She explains why many Arab states, especially in the Gulf, feel sidelined despite being directly affected by the conflict, and why frustration is also growing over Pakistan’s role.Finally, investigative reporter Jay Solomon joins us to discuss his months-long investigation into Calla Walsh, the 21-year-old American activist who has become a prominent voice amplifying the Iranian regime’s narrative. How did her radicalization happen, and why does it matter?Watch the full episode of Eye for Iran, and subscribe for more in-depth interviews and analysis.Contents for this video:00:00 Fragile ceasefire or pause before escalation?01:42 Ken Pollack joins: what this “ceasefire” really means03:24 Why Washington and Tehran are talking past each other07:05 Will the Iranian people be abandoned again?13:27 What a new phase of war could look like17:24 Trump’s messaging to the people of Iran23:02 Is regime change still possible?30:51 Why Gulf states may move closer to Israel36:51 Dalia Ziada: regional fallout and Arab frustration39:11 Could this accelerate Arab-Israeli alignment?44:02 Pakistan’s role and Saudi disappointment47:08 Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Iran’s regional reach49:37 Qatar rethinking ties to Tehran?52:10 Jay Solomon: who is Calla Walsh?54:29 Cuba, radicalization, and Tehran’s influence01:00:36 How Walsh became part of Iran’s narrative machine01:05:14 Why Gen Z radicalization should worry the West01:07:37 Is this Iran exporting its revolution?01:09:46 Subscribe for more Eye for Iran#iran #usa #israel #war #ceasefire #pakistan #youtube #shorts #youtubeshorts #news #podcast #middleeast