War of the Words in Iran (feat. Ali Ansari)

War of the Words in Iran (feat. Ali Ansari)

Author: FDD March 26, 2026 Duration: 46:03

This war isn’t just being fought with missiles and drones. There's also a war of the words, a narrative battle.

While the regime pushes its narrative at home and abroad, the West struggles to keep up — and the Iranian people are caught in between. 

So, who controls the story: the regime, the West, or the Iranian people?

Mark is joined by historian Ali Ansari to unpack the battle of narratives, the reality of regime power, and who may ultimately shape Iran’s future.


Hosted by Mark Dubowitz, The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz is a focused miniseries from FDD that cuts through the noise surrounding one of the world's most persistent and complex crises. Rather than just recounting headlines, this podcast delves into the underlying forces-historical, religious, and societal-that shape Iran's actions both at home and abroad. You'll hear detailed analysis on the regime's nuclear ambitions, its support for proxy networks across the Middle East, and the ongoing struggle for human rights within its borders. Each episode aims to connect these geopolitical strategies to their real-world impact, offering a clearer understanding of a nation that consistently defies simple explanation. For anyone trying to make sense of the tensions that ripple from Tehran to the wider world, this series provides essential context and insight, moving beyond surface-level reporting to explore the deeper cultural and ideological drivers. Tune in for a sober, informed exploration that treats the subject with the gravity it demands.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 54

The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz
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