Iran at a Crossroads: Protests, Sanctions, and Political Futures
Monday, February 2, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
This roundtable brings together leading scholars of Iran to examine how recent protests, U.S. sanctions, and state power intersect to shape the country’s current conditions and future trajectories. Panelists will analyze the interplay between social movements, economic pressures, and geopolitical constraints, situating these dynamics within broader historical and regional contexts. The discussion will explore the implications of these forces for Iran’s future governance, its role in the region, and its relations with global powers. By emphasizing historical depth, lived experiences, and competing visions for change, the roundtable offers a nuanced analysis that moves beyond headline-driven narratives.
Speakers: Professor Narges Bajoghli ( Johns Hopkins University), Professor Vali R. Nasr (Johns Hopkins University), Professor Mohsen Kadivar (Duke University), Professor Omid Safi (Duke University), and Professor Didem Z. Havlioğlu (Moderator) (Duke University).
Event Sponsored By Duke Islamic Studies Center, and Duke University Middle East Studies Center
Zoom: http://tinyurl.com/dukeiranevent
