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 Iran They 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 funeral 01:28 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 power 30:56 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 proxies 48:47 The afterlife of political Islam 52:07 Could post-Khamenei Iran become even more brutal? 54:53 The origins of Velayat-e Faqih 58:28 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 funeral 1:11:09 Why was Iran’s January massacre largely ignored? 1:14:38 The propaganda battle over Khamenei’s funeral 1:28:14 Closing thoughts #iran #khamenei #tehran #irgc #information #trump #hormoz #usa #Israel #islam #youtubeshorts #youtube #podcast #news

Is the Iran-US MoU dead—or working exactly as intended? | Eye for Iran | EP 111 |

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 WARNING A 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 CRISIS Iran’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

Why are US strikes moving deeper into Iran? | Eye for Iran | EP 112 |

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 see 15:35 Inside the regime's power struggle 20:45 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 Iran 47:53 Why Iranians feel stuck in limbo 55:20 What the Iranian people want next 01:06:06 Iran's oldest Persian church under threat 01:16:27 The crackdown on Christian converts 01:21:01 Why the regime is acting now 01:26:00 What's next for Iran's Christians? #iran #khamenei #irgc #christian #christianity #iranian #economy #islamicrepublic #news #podcast #youtube #shorts

The Islamic Republic's next battle is internal | Eye for Iran Ep. 110

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

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.

Eye For Iran

Share

Eye For Iran

Is the Iran-US MoU dead—or working exactly as intended? | Eye for Iran | EP 111 |

More episodes

View all episodes

Why are US strikes moving deeper into Iran? | Eye for Iran | EP 112 |

The Islamic Republic's next battle is internal | Eye for Iran Ep. 110

The Islamic Republic's next battle is internal | Eye for Iran Ep. 110

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