Emergency Update on the Iran Crisis with Jonathan Panikoff

Emergency Update on the Iran Crisis with Jonathan Panikoff

From Intel at the Edge by Special Competitive Studies Project - SCSP

January 16, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 10

About this episode

Chip Usher and Jonathan Panikoff discuss the ongoing protests and regime response in Iran as of late December 2025.

In this emergency episode of Intelligence at the Edge, host Chip Usher is joined by Jonathan Panikoff, Director of the Near East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council and former Deputy National Intelligence Officer for the Near East. They provide a critical update on the widespread protests and severe regime crackdown that have seized Iran since late December 2025. Panikoff analyzes how this movement differs from previous uprisings, noting that while the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests were driven by social frustrations, the current unrest is fueled by a collapsing economy, soaring food prices, and a dire potable water crisis, all while the regime imposes internet blackouts to repress connectivity. The discussion explores the regime's ruthless use of force—resulting in casualties far exceeding those of 2022—and the potential for an inflection point similar to the 1979 revolution.

People in this episode

Host: Chip Usher

Guest: Jonathan Panikoff

Topics covered

  • Iran crisis
  • protests
  • regime crackdown
  • economy
  • internet blackouts
  • historical comparison

Keywords

  • Iran
  • protests
  • regime crackdown
  • economy
  • internet blackouts
  • casualties
  • 1979 revolution

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Atlantic Council

Places: Iran

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