War Trumps Khamenei: The death of Ayatollah Khamenei and the opposition inside and outside Iran

War Trumps Khamenei: The death of Ayatollah Khamenei and the opposition inside and outside Iran

Author: The New Arab March 4, 2026 Duration: 46:48

Iran has changed forever. 

The US and Israel are firing missiles and dropping bombs on targets across Iran. Senior figures from the regime and the IRGC are being assassinated.

Ayatollah Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war.

The future of Iran is still being written. 

On this week's episode of The New Arab Voice podcast, we look at recent events in Iran, and ask what are the ambitions of US President Donald Trump and the US military. We also look at the opposition inside and outside the country, and who might be able to step up and lead Iran in the future. 

We're joined by Charles W. Dunne, non-resident fellow at the Arab Center Washington D.C and Adjunct Professor at the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University. And Alex Vatanka,  Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and author of The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran: The United States, Foreign Policy and Political Rivalry since 1979.

This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).

Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com


From a London newsroom, The New Arab Voice reaches across continents, offering a distinct perspective on events and ideas shaping communities from the Middle East and North Africa to Asia and global diasporas. This isn't just a headlines recap. Each episode weaves together rigorous news analysis, cultural insight, and historical context, treating complex political shifts and societal transformations with the depth they deserve. You'll hear from people living the stories-artists, analysts, and everyday voices-providing a nuanced understanding that moves beyond simplistic narratives. The podcast reflects the rich tapestry of the regions it covers, finding the connections between past and present, policy and personal experience. For listeners seeking to move past soundbites and explore the interplay of power, identity, and heritage, The New Arab Voice provides essential listening. It’s where current affairs meet deep storytelling, all grounded in the extensive journalistic tradition of The New Arab. Tune in for conversations that challenge assumptions and illuminate the underreported, fostering a more informed and engaged perspective on a dynamic part of the world.
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