Iranian regime is willing to use extreme brutality to stay in power: Brookings' Suzanne Maloney

Summary

Suzanne Maloney of Brookings discusses the political fallout from Iran's protest crackdown, new U.S. sanctions, and the debate over potential U.S. military action. She argues a strike may not topple the regime and could provoke broader Iranian retaliation against regional energy infrastructure and U.S. assets. She also says Iran's economy remains in freefall under sanctions and warns that Iranian state collapse could threaten Saudi and Gulf economic transformation. The interview ends with concerns about nuclear negotiations with the current regime.

• The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Iran over its crackdown on protesters.
• Trump reportedly backed away from a large strike, though military assets are still moving.
• Maloney says a strike likely would not collapse the Iranian regime.
• She warns Iran could retaliate against regional energy infrastructure and U.S. positions.
• Iran's economy is described as in freefall under maximum-pressure sanctions.
• Gulf partners worry Iranian instability could hurt Saudi economic transformation.
• She calls for isolating the regime and building opposition for a future transition.