Protest in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2026
Iran Protests: After Deadly Repression, Regime Arrests Leading Activists
I joined India’s Firstpost on Monday to knock back US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s boast that the Trump Administration triggered Iran’s recent nationwide protests through a “dollar shortage”.
I detail the effect of the Administration’s sanctions on the Iranian economy since 2018. However, I also set out the impact of Israel’s 12-day war last June and the long-term mismanagement by Iran’s regime, including serious bank failures last autumn with billions of dollars lost.
Perhaps most importantly, I consider how the protests have causes dating back to the 1990s, with Iranians seeking rights, reforms, and justice as well as economic stability.
Watch from 5:52:
