
Iran on the Brink
The Daily
01/14/26
•28m
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Iran is experiencing expansive protests after economic grievances snowballed over the past two weeks into a broader challenge to the country’s authoritarian clerical rulers.
In recent days, a full picture of the government’s crackdown on demonstrators has emerged, garnering global condemnation and threats of action from President Trump.
Farnaz Fassihi, who has been covering the story, explains what is driving the protesters and why the regime may be facing one of its gravest challenges in decades.
Guest: Farnaz Fassihi, the United Nations bureau chief for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- Accounts of a brutal crackdown are emerging from Iran despite communications restrictions.
- Here’s what to know about the protests in Iran.
Photo: Getty Images/Getty Images
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
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The United States' Aspirations for Venezuela's Oil
January 13
•40m
In the days since deposing Nicolás Maduro, President Trump has given several justifications for his dramatic actions in Venezuela. But perhaps most central to his ambitions is opening Venezuela’s oil fields to American companies.
Anatoly Kurmanaev, who covers Venezuela, explains the history behind Mr. Trump’s claims of ownership and what it would really take to get the oil back.
Guest: Anatoly Kurmanaev, a reporter for The New York Times who covers Venezuela.
Background reading:
- The United States detailed a plan for Venezuela’s oil sales after Mr. Trump claimed millions of barrels.
- Mr. Trump’s goals for reviving Venezuela’s oil industry will not come easily or cheaply.
Photo: Adriana Loureiro Fernandez for The New York Times
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Next Episode

Trump’s D.O.J. Went After the Fed. It Backfired.
January 15
•28m
The Trump administration’s decision to open a criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve chairman, Jerome H. Powell, has stunned the worlds of business and politics.
Colby Smith and Glenn Thrush, who have been covering the news, discuss how the investigation came about, the panic it unleashed and why it might have made the Fed chair stronger than ever.
Guest:
- Colby Smith, a New York Times reporter covering the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy.
- Glenn Thrush, who reports on the Justice Department for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- Blowback builds over the criminal investigation of Mr. Powell.
- Here’s what to know about the criminal investigation of Mr. Powell.
Photo: Caroline Gutman for The New York Times
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
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