Episode notes
11 Feb 2026
On the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Iranians are protesting against the Islamic Republic, chanting “death to the Islamic Republic” and “long live the king.” The protests are a response to the regime’s celebrations and a reflection of the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran. Despite the regime’s attempts to suppress dissent, the Iranian people remain resilient and determined to fight back.
Tensions between the US and Iran escalate as the US prepares to send additional troops and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The Iranian regime faces internal strife, with hardliners opposing any compromise on their ballistic missile programme, a key red line for the US. The likelihood of US intervention is high, with negotiations scheduled for next week, but a deal seems unlikely due to the regime’s internal divisions and the hardline stance on ballistic missiles.
The ongoing conflict in Iran is characterised by a lack of genuine negotiations, with the situation described as a “dance.” The speaker emphasises the incompatibility of monarchists and the MEK, highlighting the MEK’s history as a splinter group from the Islamic Republic and their association with terrorism. The speaker also discusses the UK’s involvement in the region, noting the deployment of RAF jets and equipment to support allied forces.
The discussion centres around the potential involvement of China in supplying equipment to Iran, including Starlink units, to aid in communication and surveillance. The conversation also touches on the broader geopolitical implications, including the potential impact on the Palestinian movement and the role of the US in the region. The speaker expresses scepticism about the effectiveness of limited strikes and suggests that a more comprehensive approach, akin to “pest control,” may be necessary to bring about change in Iran.