Consider This from NPR

Episode Summary: "Reflections on an 'Electrifying' Round of Protest in Iran"

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Juana Summers
Featured Guest: Jason Rezaian (Washington Post journalist, Director of Press Freedom Initiatives, former Tehran correspondent)

Overview

This episode examines the ongoing, widespread protests in Iran, marking a pivotal moment that insiders and observers describe as "electrifying" and unprecedented. Host Juana Summers discusses the new character of these protests, their roots in both political and economic disenfranchisement, and what this moment means for Iranians, exiles, and international stakeholders. The conversation draws on firsthand accounts from within Iran, expert insights, and reflections on U.S. foreign policy missteps. Special guest Jason Rezaian, a former prisoner of the Iranian regime, shares why, for the first time in a decade, he feels hopeful about the prospect of lasting change in Iran.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Firsthand Experience of Protest in Tehran

[00:00–01:13]

• Yousef Yazdi, a U.S.-based professor and the son of Iranian parents, recounts his experience visiting his mother in Tehran during the early days of the current protests.

  • Large squares crowded, primarily with young protesters, chanting slogans like “death to the dictator.”
  • Quote:

    “There was about 2, 300 young people, mainly a few older folks like me, and then mostly younger people. And they're very peaceful, chanting slogans, mostly, you know, death to the dictator.”
    — Yousef Yazdi [00:19]

  • A small group of protesters escalated by throwing pavers at riot police, prompting a harsh reaction with tear gas.
  • Notable anecdote:

    “I made the mistake of breathing a bit through my mouth... never breathe through your mouth if you're experiencing tear gas attack because your throat will burn for days.”
    — Yousef Yazdi [00:49]

• Yazdi notes a widespread dissatisfaction with the regime:

  “I couldn't find anybody that has anything nice to say about the way things are being run, whether they're pro government or anti government.”
  — Yousef Yazdi [01:13]

2. Scale of Violence and International Stakes

[01:24–02:14]

• Over 2,500 deaths have been reported (unverified), indicating the severity of the crackdown.

• The U.S. is actively monitoring and shifting personnel, hinting at possible military options.

• The global Iranian diaspora and observers like Jason Rezaian remain hopeful, but anxious about intensifying repression.

  “I fear that many more people will be hurt and killed between now and whenever the regime does fall.”
  — Jason Rezaian [02:03]

3. Why This Moment Feels Different

[04:06–05:30]

• Rezaian tracks the quickening pace and increasing scope of protest movements in Iran:
  • From the 2009 Green Movement (political), through economic protests (2017–19), to the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom uprising.
  • Current protests are widespread and demand both political rights and better economic prospects.
  • The regime’s inability to respond meaningfully to these dual demands marks a potential tipping point.

    “At this point in time, it seems like the expiration date of this nearly 50 year old system is quickly approaching.”
    — Jason Rezaian [05:08]

4. U.S. Policy Shortcomings and Opportunities

[05:30–08:04]

• Rezaian highlights key U.S. foreign policy failures:

  • Lack of follow-through on promised support, particularly regarding internet access and information flow into and out of Iran.

    “We talk a lot right now about the Internet shutdown... we haven't been able to communicate with anybody inside Iran since a week ago today.”
    — Jason Rezaian [05:49]

  • Over-reliance on the same Washington-based voices, rather than engaging with Iranians and dissidents themselves.

  • Policy recommendation:

    “Engagement with the Iranian regime right now, especially around the nuclear program, would be a mistake. I think our focus should be centered on the people of Iran and their aspirations.”
    — Jason Rezaian [07:36]

5. Emotional Reflections on Exile and Hope

[08:04–09:52]

• The 10-year anniversary of Rezaian’s own imprisonment and forced exile coincides with the protests.

  • He expresses both hope and anxiety:
    • Hopeful from the courage of protestors.
    • Anxious about the lack of guarantees for what happens if/when the regime falls.

  “It's an incredibly mixed set of emotions. I'm proud, I'm exhilarated, but I'm scared about the loss of life and also about the very real possibility that if this regime falls, there's no guarantee that something better would automatically replace it.”
  — Jason Rezaian [08:57]

  • On being unable to return to Iran:

    “It's incredibly heartbreaking... that she [his wife] was very unceremoniously jettisoned and exiled from her homeland and hasn't been able to return and may not be able to do so for the foreseeable future.”
    — Jason Rezaian [08:22]

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• Yousef Yazdi:

  • “Never breathe through your mouth if you're experiencing tear gas attack...” [00:49]
  • “I couldn't find anybody that has anything nice to say about the way things are being run...” [01:13]

• Jason Rezaian:

  • “I fear that many more people will be hurt and killed between now and whenever the regime does fall.” [02:03]
  • “This nearly 50 year old system is quickly approaching [its] expiration date.” [05:08]
  • “Engagement with the Iranian regime... would be a mistake. I think our focus should be centered on the people of Iran and their aspirations.” [07:36]
  • “I'm proud, I'm exhilarated, but I'm scared about the loss of life and also about the very real possibility that if this regime falls, there's no guarantee that something better would automatically replace it.” [08:57]

Key Takeaways

• The latest protests in Iran are uniquely broad, persistent, and fired by combined political and economic frustration.
• Crackdowns have been deadly, but the resolve among protestors persists.
• Meaningful U.S. support should focus less on regime engagement or military options and more on empowering Iranian society, safeguarding open communication, and learning from voices inside Iran.
• For exiles like Rezaian, this moment brings the first real hope in years—mixed with caution over possible outcomes and concerns about enduring exile.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:13 — Firsthand protest account from Tehran
• 01:24–02:14 — Context: Violence, U.S. response, global perspective
• 04:06–05:30 — Rezaian explains why these protests feel “electrifying” and different
• 05:30–08:04 — Criticism of U.S. policy, recommendations for better support
• 08:04–09:52 — Reflections on exile, pride and anxiety

For further analysis and original audio, listen to the episode on NPR’s platforms.