The Reckoning of the Ayatollahs: Understanding Iran's Burgeoning Uprising episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 13, 2026 · 53 MIN

The Reckoning of the Ayatollahs: Understanding Iran's Burgeoning Uprising

from War on the Rocks

Ryan had an hour-long conversation with Afshon Ostovar, a leading expert on the Iranian regime and its brutal security services. Afshon breaks down everything you need to know to understand the protest movement taking to the streets across Iran, openly calling for the end of this authoritarian regime. How does the regime operate its repressive apparatus? What of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the ousted shah who is waiting in the wings? What are the scenarios under which we could see the regime fall apart? How did we get here? Afshon answers these questions and more.   This is a free episode of The Iran Reckoning with Afshon Ostovar. If you want more episodes like this and access to our broader suite of members-only podcasts, newsletters, and more, sign up at warontherocks.com/membership.

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The Reckoning of the Ayatollahs: Understanding Iran's Burgeoning Uprising

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This episode was published on January 13, 2026.

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Ryan had an hour-long conversation with Afshon Ostovar, a leading expert on the Iranian regime and its brutal security services. Afshon breaks down everything you need to know to understand the protest movement taking to the streets across Iran,...

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