Inside Iran: The New Supreme Leader, Nuclear Weapons & The Retaliation Against the US

In this special episode of Palatable Politics, TJ sits down with Dr. Mostafa Daryabari, Iran Diplomat. Before diving into the current conflict, Dr. Daryabari gives us a foundational look at Iran's 7,000-year civilization, its diverse religious demographics (including Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Zoroastrian communities), and how its Islamic Republic political system actually works. The conversation then shifts to the severe escalation in the Middle East. Following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader during the holy month of Ramadan , Dr. Daryabari explains the democratic process of electing the new leader. He also addresses the devastating bombing of an Iranian girls' school that killed 175 children , explaining why Iran felt compelled to retaliate against US military bases in neighboring countries as an "inherent right of self-defense".We also unpack the truth about Iran's nuclear program , the partial blocking of the Strait of Hormuz , and how strategic partnerships with BRICS nations like Russia and China are supporting Iran. Finally, Dr. Daryabari shares his gratitude for South Africa's stance against apartheid and its case at the ICJ.How do you think this war can be ended peacefully? Let us know in the comments below! #palatablepolitics #Iran #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #SouthAfrica #BRICS #ForeignPolicy #DrMostafaDaryabari #currentaffairs 00:00 - Intro: What does a Cultural Attaché do? 02:01 - Inside Iran: 7000 years of history, diversity, and culture 06:19 - How Iran's political system and elections work 07:48 - Electing the new Supreme Leader after the assassination 4:58 - The school bombing and the failure of the UN 20:54 - Nuclear Negotiations: Why nuclear weapons are strictly "Haram" in Iran 24:00 - Why Iran retaliated against US military bases in the Gulf 34:28 - Support from BRICS, Russia, China, and South Africa's ICJ case