How the War Has Reshaped Life in Iran

The reporter Cora Engelbrecht joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss what life is like for the people of Iran as war unfolds. They talk about Engelbrecht’s reporting, which is based on dispatches from a dissident in Tehran who maintained contact during an internet blackout, and about how his account reveals some of the challenges of daily life under bombardment from the U.S. and Israel—and under a government that continues to police dissent. They also explore how the conflict has complicated the hopes of many Iranians who once saw foreign intervention as a path to liberation, and the growing fear that, whatever the outcome of the war, everyday citizens will continue to bear the cost. This week’s reading: “ What the War Has Done to Iranians ,” by Cora Engelbrecht “ A Former Prisoner of the Iranian Regime Watches Trump’s War ,” by Jason Rezaian “ How Donald Trump May Have Sabotaged His Chances for a Deal with Iran ,” by Isaac Chotiner “ The Distant Promise of Iran’s Would-Be King ,” by Azadeh Moaveni “ Is Cuba Next? ,” by Jon Lee Anderson The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine’s writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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How the War Has Reshaped Life in Iran is an episode from The New Yorker: Politics and More by The New Yorker.

This episode is 42:05 long.

This episode was published on Mar 25, 2026.

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