The Iranian Uprising – with Behnam Ben Taleblu

The Iranian Uprising – with Behnam Ben Taleblu

Author: Boundless Israel, Inc. January 21, 2026 Duration: 21:43

We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.

Iran faced its most serious wave of unrest in years, as anti-government protests erupted across the country. Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to examine what’s happening on the ground, the role of U.S. signaling, the regime’s violent response, and what could realistically follow if the Islamic Republic were to weaken or collapse.

Guest Bio

Behnam Ben Taleblu is the senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a senior fellow specializing in Iranian security and political affairs. With more than a decade of experience, he closely tracks Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxy network, sanctions, and internal Iranian politics. A native Persian speaker, he regularly briefs policymakers and has testified before the U.S. Congress, the Canadian Parliament, and the UK House of Commons. His analysis is widely cited in major international media outlets and he frequently appears on global broadcast news.

Read More

Why These Iranian Protests Are Different by Behnam Ben Taleblu


In a world of endless takes and heated debates, finding clarity on issues facing Israel, antisemitism, and American Jewish life can feel overwhelming. Boundless Insights-with Aviva Klompas cuts through the noise with thoughtful, in-depth conversations designed to empower rather than just inform. This isn't about surface-level opinions; it's about engaging with the complex perspectives and difficult questions that define these critical topics. Each episode of the podcast brings you closer to understanding the nuances often lost in broader commentary, fostering a space for genuine dialogue. You'll hear discussions that are as substantive as they are accessible, moving from historical context to contemporary challenges. The goal is to provide listeners with a trusted resource-a place to find not just information, but the tools for deeper reflection. Tune in for a podcast that values thoughtful exploration over easy answers, all aimed at making sense of a complicated landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 152

Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas
Podcast Episodes
The ICC Arrest Warrants Part 2 – with Michael Oren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:54
In this episode of Boundless Insights, Aviva Klompas is with former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, to discuss the consequences of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent decision to issue…
The ICC Arrest Warrants Part 1 – with Eugene Kontorovich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:47
In an unprecedented move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This is the first time the ICC has t…
What is Zionism (and Why Does it Matter)? – with Dr. Michael Oren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:19
What does Zionism really mean, and why does it matter? In this episode of Boundless Insights, we discuss the findings of a new study from Boundless that sheds light on one of the most misunderstood and debated concepts i…
Is Israel winning the war(s)? – with Dr. Michael Oren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:48
In this episode of Boundless Insights, we assess the progress of the war. While Israel has seen strategic successes, such as dismantling top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah and repelling Iranian attacks, serious issues re…
The Return of President Trump – with Dr. Michael Oren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:48
In this episode of Boundless Insights, we’re talking about Donald Trump’s return to the White House and what it could mean for U.S.-Israel relations, the fight against antisemitism in America, and broader Middle Eastern…
The Amsterdam Pogrom – with Dr. Michael Oren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:37
Host Aviva Klompas and Dr. Michael Oren are discussing the harrowing events that unfolded in Amsterdam on the evening of November 7, when hundreds of Israeli soccer fans were targeted in a brutal act of antisemitic viole…
Can Israel Bring its Hostages Home? – with Dr. Michael Oren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:16
In this episode, we delve into one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of Israel’s ongoing conflict – the plight of the hostages. On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other terrorists carried out coordinated attacks, abducting…
The Iranian Endgame – with Dr. Michael Oren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:12
In the inaugural episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Michael Oren to discuss the long-standing threat Iran poses to Israel and the broader Middle East.When we recorded this episode, Israe…