The Iran Podcast Can Trump Make a Deal With Tehran?
Jan 28, 2026
A conversation about mass protests in Iran and how internet limits shape reporting. Discussion of the scale of unrest, arrests, and a looming legitimacy crisis. Examination of mixed U.S. signals, military moves, and whether Trump seeks a major diplomatic bargain. Exploration of shifting U.S. demands that complicate any potential deal.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Economic Spark Became Nationwide Crisis
- Iran's protests began with economic grievances and rapidly spread into nationwide political unrest.
- Negar Mortazavi says the state faces a severe legitimacy crisis after a deadly, unprecedented crackdown.
Internet Limits Hide Crackdown Details
- The crackdown included mass arrests and widespread restrictions on information flow.
- Mortazavi emphasizes limited internet access is obscuring the full scale of abuses.
Mixed U.S. Signals And Moving Goalposts
- Mortazavi says the U.S. sends mixed signals and is not primarily motivated by protesters' rights.
- She argues Trump seeks a broad deal but keeps expanding demands, making diplomacy unlikely.