How did Ayatollah Khamenei ensure his son, Mojtaba, would take over after his death? How is this war a product of deep historical trends? What internal crises have been plaguing Iran’s government in recent years? Is there hope for Iran after this war?
**To listen to the rest of the Mao series today, join the Empire Club at <a href="https://empirepod.supportingcast.fm/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta">empirepoduk.com</a>**
In light of the war in Iran, we disrupt our current series to bring you the vital historical view of a region we have often covered on Empire. William is joined by Ali Ansari, author of Iran (Polity Histories), to discuss the decades of history that have led to this war in 2026.
Sign up and get 10% off at <a href="BetterHelp.com/EMPIRE">BetterHelp.com/EMPIRE</a>.
Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at <a href="https://empirepod.supportingcast.fm/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta">empirepoduk.com</a> 
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Email: empire@goalhanger.com
Instagram: @empirepoduk
Blue Sky: @empirepoduk
X: @empirepoduk
Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris
Producer: Anouska Lewis
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
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342. Iran: The Three Ayatollahs – From Revolution to Dynasty

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