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Faculty & Experts
20 January 2026

Inside Iran’s Unrest: Politics, Economy, and the Road Ahead

In the latest episode of What Matters Today, Institute alumnus and lecturer at the University of Montpellier, Clément Therme takes a closer look at what’s happening inside Iran: the roots of the current uprising, the role of the political leadership, the impact of the economic crisis, and the landscape of opposition figures abroad.

Iran is living a moment of intense uncertainty. Over the past year, the country has witnessed another major wave of protests — driven by deep social grievances, political frustration, and an economic situation that continues to deteriorate. The government’s response has been marked by severe repression, while regional tensions and new international sanctions have heightened pressure on the Islamic Republic. 

In this episode, Clément Therme and podcast host Dan Graham take a closer look at what’s happening inside Iran: the roots of the current uprising, the role of the political leadership, the impact of the economic crisis, and the landscape of opposition figures abroad. They also explore how the regime’s crackdown fits into its broader survival strategy, and what Iran’s trajectory might look like in the months ahead.

Inside Iran’s Unrest: Politics, Economy, and the Road Ahead