The war against the Islamic Republic may be entering a new phase after Israeli drone strikes targeted Basij checkpoints in Tehran. The Basij — a paramilitary force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — has long been responsible for carrying out repression and violently suppressing protests across Iran. In this episode of Eye for Iran, John Hannah, who served in senior foreign policy positions for both Democratic and Republican administrations, including as former Vice President Dick Cheney’s National Security Advisor from 2005–2009 and Deputy National Security Advisor for the Middle East from 2001–2005, explains why these strikes could mark a turning point that may weaken the regime’s ability to control the streets and potentially shift the balance in favor of the Iranian people. Meanwhile, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has yet to appear publicly. Instead, his first communication reportedly came in the form of a written message rather than a video statement — raising new questions about who is truly in charge. A panel of experts, including historian Shahram Kholdi, former U.S. government appointee Shayan Samii, and former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed, analyzes what the message said and what it may reveal about the power struggle inside the regime. Finally, actress and producer Tara Grammy shares messages from inside Tehran, describing how many Iranians are experiencing the war — and why some say decades of repression have reshaped how they view danger, and hope for change. Contents for this video: 00:00 Introduction 02:19 John Hannah: Basij checkpoints hit in Tehran 03:10 John Hannah: Could this fracture the regime? 05:08 John Hannah: Is this phase two of the war? 07:42 John Hannah: Can the opposition seize the moment? 09:32 John Hannah: When is it safe for Iranians to rise up? 11:00 John Hannah: What does regime change mean? 12:54 John Hannah: FBI warning and retaliation fears 14:34 John Hannah: Was wider escalation inevitable? 16:10 John Hannah: Military success vs political success 17:49 John Hannah: Is this also about China? 20:51 John Hannah: Message to the axis of aggressors 23:11 John Hannah: How long can the regime survive? 25:00 John Hannah: Advice to Trump 30:01 Shahram Kholdi, Shayan Samii and Avi Melamed join 30:15 Shahram Kholdi: Where is Mojtaba Khamenei? 33:57 Avi Melamed: Who is really in charge? 35:14 Shayan Samii: Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? 39:24 Shahram Kholdi: What did the alleged message say? 47:23 Avi Melamed: What is Israel’s endgame? 53:44 Shayan Samii: Mojtaba’s message and what it means 58:12 Shahram Kholdi: Is the IRGC running the show? 01:03:58 Avi Melamed: What Mojtaba’s silence suggests 01:06:45 Tara Grammy joins Eye for Iran 01:07:30 Tara Grammy: Why some Iranians cheer the bombs 01:08:56 Tara Grammy: Threat normalization and trauma 01:13:02 Tara Grammy: Why outsiders do not understand 01:17:19 Tara Grammy: A 1% chance at freedom 01:18:34 Tara Grammy: The bombs and the regime 01:20:14 Tara Grammy: Voices from inside Iran 01:21:52 Tara Grammy: January 8 and 9 changed everything 01:24:44 Tara Grammy: The role of the diaspora 01:26:55 Tara Grammy: The message from inside Iran — regime change 01:28:33 Tara Grammy: Shoot-to-kill orders and hospital killings 01:30:35 Tara Grammy: Why the world ignores the massacre 01:32:18 Tara Grammy: What the West should be talking about 01:33:06 Outro #Iran #IranWar #IranProtests #IranRegime #IslamicRepublic #IRGC #Basij #news #podcast #youtube #shorts

Inside Iran: Basij strikes, purported message & voices from Tehran | Eye for Iran | EP 94 |

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 explained General License X Iran sanctions relief Iran oil exports The IRGC and Iran's economy Frozen Iranian assets Qatar's role in the negotiations China's influence in Iran FATF and Iran's banking system Post-Khamenei Iran Internal power struggles inside the Islamic Republic US-Iran relations Middle East geopolitics If 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

Trump's Iran MoU explained: how Iran gets billions—and why | Eye for Iran 109

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 relations Guests: David Schenker – Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute Gazelle Sharmahd – Human Rights Activist and daughter of Jamshid Sharmahd Alireza Modiri – Correspondent, Iran International Shiva Negar – Actress and Activist Host: Negar Mojtahedi Subscribe 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 Deal 00:22:42 "Iranians Feel Betrayed" | Gazelle Sharmahd on the Human Cost 00:39:41 FIFA & Team Melli | Why Iranians Are Divided at the World Cup #iran #trump #lebanon #israel #MOU #irandeal #podcast #news #irannews #iranpodcast #youtube #sportify #shorts

The Iran-US MoU explained: what it means for Iranian people | Eye for Iran 108

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

Arab world losing the Mideast, experts say | Eye for Iran 106

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 Correspondent Topics 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 security Chapters: 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 routes, we ask whether that strategic advantage is beginning to erode. 0:51:15 Segment 3: As Lebanon's president openly accuses Tehran of using his country as a bargaining chip, we explore Hezbollah's weakened position, growing resistance to Iranian influence, and whether Beirut is finally trying to break free from Tehran's shadow. #iran #trump #lebanon #hormuz #israel #podcast #iranpodcast #news #youtube #shorts

Can Trump crack Iran’s delay-and-negotiate playbook? Eye for Iran 106

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 Thinking 01:17:49:10 - 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.

Is Trump giving Iran's regime a lifeline? Eye for Iran 105

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 Alghabra 00:00 Intro — Is Iran Heading Toward Diplomacy or More War? 02:19 Trump, Tehran & Israel’s High Alert Status 03:27 Iran’s Internal Power Struggle Explained 07:20 Could Economic Pressure Bring Down the Regime? 08:28 Trump’s Negotiation Strategy & Iran Fatigue 09:02 Russia, China & Europe’s Role in the Crisis 11:08 “The Iranian People Need to Live” 13:25 Segment 2 — China, Hormuz & Iran’s Toll Booth Strategy Guest: Max Meizlish 13:25 Iran’s New “Hormuz Toll Booth” Explained 14:01 China’s Role in Iran’s Sanctions Evasion 16:04 Can the U.S. Punish China for Supporting Tehran? 19:35 Why Washington Isn’t Using Maximum Economic Pressure 21:50 Could Economic Warfare Weaken Both Iran & China? 25:06 Is Iran Formalizing Control Over the Strait of Hormuz? 27:56 Why China Needs Hormuz Open 29:28 China’s Quiet Negotiations With Tehran 30:53 Iran’s Alleged $2 Million Transit Fees 32:59 Segment 3 — Ahmadinejad, Mossad & The NYT Report Guests: Hayvi Bouzo & Shayan Samii 33:08 The New York Times Report Explained 34:08 Who Is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? 37:39 Ahmadinejad’s Record: Holocaust Denial & the Green Movement 39:17 Was the NYT Report Deliberately Leaked? 43:05 Is the Regime Turning on Ahmadinejad? 45:15 Internal IRGC Infighting & Succession Chaos 49:14 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

Will a US deal with Tehran save the regime? | Eye for Iran | EP 104 |

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

Can Iran’s Economy Survive the Internet Blackout and Economic Fury? | Eye for Iran 103

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

The price of oil and the future of Hormuz

From Iran International comes the 'Eye for Iran' podcast, a weekly show that will take listeners beyond the headlines, deep into the Iran stories that matter most. With compelling interviews, expert analysis and high impact investigations, host Negar...

From Iran International comes the 'Eye for Iran' podcast, a weekly show that will take listeners beyond the headlines, deep into the Iran stories that matter most. With compelling interviews, expert analysis and high impact investigations, host Negar Mojtahedi examines the latest developments in and around Iran.

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Inside Iran: Basij strikes, purported message & voices from Tehran | Eye for Iran | EP 94 |

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Trump's Iran MoU explained: how Iran gets billions—and why | Eye for Iran 109

The Iran-US MoU explained: what it means for Iranian people | Eye for Iran 108

Arab world losing the Mideast, experts say | Eye for Iran 106

Can Trump crack Iran’s delay-and-negotiate playbook? Eye for Iran 106

Can Trump crack Iran’s delay-and-negotiate playbook? Eye for Iran 106

Is Trump giving Iran's regime a lifeline? Eye for Iran 105

Will a US deal with Tehran save the regime? | Eye for Iran | EP 104 |

Can Iran’s Economy Survive the Internet Blackout and Economic Fury? | Eye for Iran 103

The price of oil and the future of Hormuz