Iran’s Record Internet Block Stokes Fears Crackdown May Continue

Summary

Bloomberg Middle East reporter Golnar Motevalli discusses Iran's record internet blackout, the regime's stability, and the risk that Tehran's crackdown continues. She also assesses the main economic risk: a Strait of Hormuz closure could spike oil prices and worsen global inflation, though she thinks Iran is unlikely to take that step now due to its weakened regional position.

• Iran is enduring its longest internet blackout on record, raising fears the crackdown on protesters will continue.
• Golnar Motevalli says the Islamic Republic retains a minority support base but the theocracy is a spent force that has not reformed.
• She says Khamenei is deliberately doubling down on hardline rule rather than offering political openings that could weaken the regime.
• The key economic risk discussed is a full-scale conflict or blockade closing the Strait of Hormuz.
• Motevalli says such a closure would likely cause an oil price spike on supply fears and exacerbate global inflation.
• She cautions Iran is unlikely to close Hormuz now because its regional position is weaker after setbacks to Hezbollah, Hamas, and Assad.