Donald Trump in the White House, January 9, 2026 (Sky)
UPDATES: Iran Authorities Cut Internet Amid Mass Protests In Cities
I joined Poland’s TVP World on Friday to analyze the latest international developments, including Donald Trump’s threats to global order and the growing protests challenging Iran’s regime.
I begin with the blunt assessment that the Trump camp has cut off all alliances and international organizations as they pursue personal profit and domination.
Donald Trump told the New York Times, “My power is constrained only by my sense of morality.”
Whatever Trump’s sense of morality, he was saying, “I pay heed to no one else.”
Given this — and given the Russian invasion of Ukraine — how should Europe and the world respond?
You have to plan with each other for your essential security — economic, political, and security — on the basis that the Trump Administration at the least is off to the side and, in some cases, is your opponent.
Host Sascha Fahrbach and I discuss the case of Greenland, with the bluster by Trump and the White House that all options are on the table to seize it.
As we consider if Congress could check Trump, I reiterate that the goal of his camp is to “break the US system”.
We turn to Iran to explain the surge of nationwide protests, as they transformed from a response to economic conditions into a challenge to the power of the regime.
This could be — and I have to emphasize “could be” — the most important moment since the Iranian people were denied their political rights in 2009.
[Editor’s Note: Claim from Iran semi-official outlet close to regime leadership]
Arrest of 200 riot leaders with grenades and waistcoats: https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1404/10/20/3491773
[Editor’s Note: The claimed footage is from IRIB, Iran’s State broadcaster]
Massive pro-Iran demonstrations throughout Iran: https://x.com/AryJeay/status/2009940846980805014
The slogan used is “down with the treacherous betrayers of the country” alluding to the fact that the “protesters” – who have trashed the streets of some cities – are acting on behalf of Israel and America.
Big counter-demonstrations are planned for Monday according to Tasnim (operating a site outside of Iran which is still mostly in Internet shutdown to disrupt “protester” communications): https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1404/10/20/3491640