2/ Read more: isw.pub/IranUpdate011726
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) Jan 18, 2026
Day: January 17, 2026
1/ NEW: The Iranian regime’s response to the decrease in protests indicates that the regime has no intention of solving the root causes of the protest movement, which will make the next round of protests almost a certainty.
The supreme leader did acknowledge that Iran’s economic situation “is not good” and called on the government to take serious steps to address the issues, but these comments are insufficient. He would need to change the fundamental character of his regime and its political economy in order to respond to the protesters’ demands.
Khamenei could begin to solve some of these issues if he prioritized improving Iran’s economic situation over the nuclear program, among other issues. Iran’s leadership long prioritized its nuclear position over sanctions relief.
The regime is implementing a phased plan that will lift the internet shutdown, but will not restore unfettered access for all Iranians.
The regime’s plan to limit most internet and communication access in Iran to trusted Iranians demonstrates that the regime does not believe that the threat from this protest movement has passed and that the regime sees the protesters as enemies who will challenge its survival.
These plans demonstrate that the regime continues to view Iran’s general population as a threat and that the regime believes the protest movement could resume if given an opportunity to do so.
The regime likely hopes to control the narrative outside of the country by only allowing regime supporters access to the international internet.— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) Jan 18, 2026
Seattle is getting what it voted for in a new city attorney who opposes prosecution for drug use and public vagrancy. Good luck.
on.wsj.com/4qX1qLu— Wall Street Journal Opinion (@WSJopinion) Jan 18, 2026
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We’ll rise and fight again. Go Bills.
If they were trying to remind us of the kids in the bunker from the movie ‘Downfall’ it worked.Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA)Kids deserve real nutrition. Always have.
#DrinkWholeMilk 🥛
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— https://x.com/USDA/status/2012563411805126674— Military History Now (@MilHistNow) Jan 18, 2026
Senator Bernie Sanders tells Oz it’s not “cool” that robots performing ultrasounds in Alabama trib.al/PiHi8Q4
— The Hill (@thehill) Jan 18, 2026
People forget Greenland’s been a Cold War frontline for decades. A B-52 crash, nuclear secrecy, and even a warhead still “missing” shows how high-stakes that Arctic footprint always was. Today’s Greenland drama has deep history behind it. #Greenland #ColdWar #NuclearWeapons
eurasiantimes.com/u-s-b-52-b…— Robert Morton (@Robert4787) Jan 18, 2026