Tehran turns on itself as Iran’s regime fractures | Eye for Iran | EP 100 |

About this episode

The episode discusses the internal fractures within Iran's regime and the implications for its future, featuring insights from veteran journalist Eli Lake and others.

Veteran journalist Eli Lake of The Free Press and host of the Breaking History podcast joins Eye for Iran to discuss real fractures inside Iran’s regime, why Tehran’s leadership may be turning on itself and how internal power struggles could eventually bring down the Islamic Republic from within. Lake says Iran’s rulers now need a deal more than Washington does, and argues any negotiations should begin with restoring internet access, freeing political prisoners and ending executions. Lake also offers hope for Iran’s future, saying the Iranian people remain the country’s greatest strength: “You cannot keep these people down.” Hudson Institute research fellow Zineb Riboua then breaks down China’s growing anxiety over the Strait of Hormuz, Beijing’s weakening leverage over Tehran, Iran-China ties and whether Operation Epic Fury is really about weakening China’s position in the Middle East. Finally, Iran International journalist Shervin Shahrestani reveals his major investigation into Iran’s expanding influence network in Kashmir and India, including ideological outreach, funding networks and why some call the region a “Mini Iran.” A special 100th episode covering Iran regime…

People in this episode

Guests: Eli Lake, Zineb Riboua, Shervin Shahrestani

Topics covered

• Iran regime fractures
• internal power struggles
• US-Iran relations
• China's influence
• Strait of Hormuz
• Iran's future

Keywords

• Iran
• Tehran
• regime fractures
• China
• Strait of Hormuz
• political prisoners
• internet access
• Kashmir
• Operation Epic Fury

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Free Press, Hudson Institute

Books & works: Eye for Iran

Places: Iran, Tehran, Strait of Hormuz, Kashmir, India

More episodes of Eye For Iran

• Arab world losing the Mideast, experts say | Eye for Iran 106 · June 12, 2026 · 1h 22m
• Can Trump crack Iran’s delay-and-negotiate playbook? Eye for Iran 106 · June 11, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Can Trump crack Iran’s delay-and-negotiate playbook? Eye for Iran 106 · June 5, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Is Trump giving Iran's regime a lifeline? Eye for Iran 105 · May 29, 2026 · 1h 43m
• Will a US deal with Tehran save the regime? | Eye for Iran | EP 104 | · May 22, 2026 · 54 min
• Can Iran’s Economy Survive the Internet Blackout and Economic Fury? | Eye for Iran 103 · May 15, 2026 · 45 min