James O'Brien - The Whole Show What Iranians think about Trump's and Netanyahu's war
Mar 11, 2026
Arthur Snell, former diplomat and author on geopolitics and climate, discusses Iran, regional security and climate-linked instability. He talks about attacks on desalination, water insecurity and how the end of hydrocarbons reshapes risky policies. He also reflects on planning failures, China’s renewable push and cautious reasons for hope.
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Iranians' Initial Hope Turned To Doubt
- Many Iranians initially welcomed the US-Israel strikes out of desperate hope for regime change.
- James O'Brien and callers note that Trump and Netanyahu are self-interested actors unlikely to deliver better outcomes for ordinary Iranians, reversing early optimism.
Respond To Affected Voices With Caution
- When debating intervention, prioritise empathy: avoid telling victims they 'shouldn't' feel relief at regime hits.
- James advises listening cautiously to those with family in Iran and resist simplistic condemnations.
Foreign Strikes Can Strengthen The Regime
- A letter signed by over 100 Iranians argued foreign attacks entrench Tehran by validating the regime's anti-Western narrative.
- Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and former prisoners urged Keir Starmer not to escalate UK involvement for fear of strengthening authoritarians.
