The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft hosted a webinar on Jan. 12 examining Iran’s escalating unrest and the risk of U.S. military involvement.

Titled “Iran at a Crossroads: Protests, Repression, and the Risk of U.S. Military Escalation,” the event addressed the largest wave of protests in Iran since 2009, sparking debate over whether the theocratic regime faces a potential collapse, internal coup, or prolonged instability.

Panelists included Vali Nasr, Johns Hopkins University professor; Ellie Geranmayeh, deputy director of the Middle East program at ECFR; and Mohammad Ali Shabani, editor of Amwaj. Trita Parsi, Quincy Institute executive vice president, moderated the discussion, which explored Tehran’s internal challenges, the country’s prospects for democracy, and the possible consequences of U.S. or Israeli military intervention.

The conversation highlighted tensions over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, the role of the Revolutionary Guards, and the broader regional and global implications of any escalation.

See more from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft by clicking here.