Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews 1/15/26 Max Blumenthal on the CIA and Mossad’s Latest Move Against the Iranian Regime
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Jan 17, 2026 
Max Blumenthal, a senior editor at The Grayzone and investigative journalist, discusses escalating tensions in Iran and the U.S.-Israeli strategies aimed at regime change. He highlights the dangerous role of Mossad in militarizing protests and the manipulation of Iranian currency reminiscent of tactics used in Venezuela. Blumenthal also analyzes recent protests, the implications of external influence, and the risks associated with potential strikes on Iran, cautioning against the destabilizing effects of a regime collapse.
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Graphic Violence And Western Framing
- Max describes graphic scenes: mosques burned, Basij beaten, and bodies in morgues shown on Iranian TV.
- He warns Western media framed violent events as peaceful protests, masking the severity.
Proxy Forces Reappearing On Iran's Borders
- Blumenthal links historical CIA backing of Kurdish and other proxies to current armed actors like PJAK and Komala.
- He notes Reuters and regional reporting confirm armed Kurdish involvement in attacks on Basij.
Green Movement Versus Militarized Campaigns
- Blumenthal contrasts the 2009 Green Movement's reformist aims with later foreign involvement that militarized protests.
- He argues the 2022-25 women-led protests were exploited and turned violent by external actors.
