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Iran - how vulnerable is the regime?

February 12, 2026 · 29 min

Show notes

In early January street protests in Iran turned deadly - thousands were killed by Iranian forces. What started as a demonstration about economic conditions had turned into demands for regime change. President Trump said he would come to the aid of protesters. But so far he hasn’t. He’s amassed a US armada in the Gulf. And last Friday talks were held in Oman between American and Iranian officials about reducing Iran’s nuclear capacity. There’s been no agreement yet but more talks are expected. David Aaronovitch asks his guests what could happen next ? And how vulnerable the Iranian regime is, both inside the country and to a potential US attack?

Guests: Kasra Naji,Special Correspondent, BBC Persian Arash Azizi, Writer and lecturer, Yale University Dr Burcu Ozcelik, Senior Research Fellow for Middle East Security at the Royal United Services Institute Dr Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East programme, Chatham House

Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Caroline Bayley, Emma Close Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Richard Vadon

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