The Iranian regime is a malevolent force that is being challenged by a significant and potentially seismic uprising.

“I badmouthed the Iranian regime, which I think is one of the most malevolent regimes in the world. That's not bad mouthing the country of Iran or the Iranian people.”

Iran is a dangerous, apocalyptic regime that sponsors terrorism and whose government cannot be reliably negotiated with.

“They are an apocalyptic regime that their goal is to spread Islam everywhere. America, big Satan. Israel, little Satan. They've killed our people. They would like to kill more people right now”

Progressive political voices should publicly state that the Iranian regime's days are numbered.

“I think that what the one thing that might turn this into a different place is if the Trump-Netanyahu approach is matched alongside it by more progressive political voices saying, "These guys have got their days numbered."”

The Iranian people are rightfully taking their country into their own hands to end the Ayatollah's oppressive rule.

“They recognize that if they don't stand up to the Ayatollah who for 47 years have made their lives a living hell, then no one is going to do it for them.”

The United States should find ways to support the Iranian people in their desire for freedom and democracy without relying on military strikes.

“finding a way to support these protesters is something that we should be leaning into. We're the United States of America. When people want freedom and democracy, if we're not standing by them, who is, right? That doesn't mean you do it with tanks. It doesn't mean you do it with bombs.”

The ongoing protests are fueled by violent rioters and foreign interference rather than being a spontaneous uprising.

“we had infiltration and we had violent rioters and that was the beginning of extreme violence which peaked on Thursday night.”

Juan Cole argues that Iran maintains a stable, mobilized regime with institutional support because it is the product of a massive 1978-79 revolution rather than a simple dictatorship.

“Iran experienced a revolution uh in 1978-79 uh which social scientists find that's that's extremely important for the subsequent unfoldment of politics is it was a mass revolution uh and in the aftermath they established a parliament which has representatives from all over the country”

Iran emerged from the recent conflict in a stronger political position with increased domestic confidence and now maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran's stature has been enhanced. Its people are more self-confident and it's uh its control over the Strait of Hormuz is going to have a very physical impact on the way in which uh the region moves forward in in the years to come.”