Why Iran's regime is not finished (yet) and why Trump can't help

Since late December, Iran has been gripped by a wave of protests
that began in Tehran’s bazaars over economic collapse and rapidly
spread nationwide. Cash handouts failed. Brutal force followed.
Internet cut. According to human rights groups, more than 500
people are dead and over 10,000 arrested. This is not another
Tehran uprising. This time the anger is coming from small towns,
poorer regions, and even the regime’s traditional supporters.


As blood fills hospital corridors, the big question looms. Is
this finally the end of the Islamic Republic? Venetia and Roland
are joined by foreign correspondent Akhtar Makoii and Chief
Foreign Affairs Commentator David Blair, to unpack what makes
this moment different.


From the historic role of the Grand Bazaar to the shocking
violence on the streets, from young protesters paying with their
lives to the absence of any clear opposition leader, the panel
confronts a stark reality. The regime is determined to survive.
And despite his threats, Donald Trump cannot simply bomb Iran
into freedom. Military intervention could just as easily
strengthen the regime, fracture the country, or trigger chaos far
beyond Iran’s borders. 


Read Roland's analysis of the key signs to watch
for: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/09/iran-protests-regime-fall/


And Roland examines Iran’s growing water crisis:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/12/evacuate-tehran-the-catastrophe-threatening-iran/


Read Akhtar's reporting on the protest
victims: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/10/they-protested-peacefully-iran-answered-with-bullets/


Read David's analysis of the Ayatollah vs
Trump: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/12/ayatollah-iran-protests-trump/


Pic credit: NEIL HALL/EPA/Shutterstock


Producer: Peter Shevlin


Executive Producer: Louisa Wells


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