In this episode of Roqe – as part of the Iran Rises series - Jian reflects on a defining moment in Iran’s ongoing revolution as internet blackouts begin to crack and evidence of mass violence by the Islamic Republic regime against civilians comes into view.

In an opening essay entitled “Don’t Look Away,” Jian argues that silence, exhaustion, and narrative distortion are among the most powerful tools authoritarian regimes rely on.

Jian is then joined by Iranian-American former U.S. senior official and global business leader Bijan Kian for an in-depth conversation about:

What the regime’s actions reveal about its survival strategy

Whether recent massacres mark a point of no return

The international community’s response – and its limits

The role of disinformation and soft-pedalled narratives

What sustained attention and support can actually achieve

This episode was recorded on January 19, 2026, as events inside Iran continued to evolve

This edition of Roqe is supported by Stellar Law – a Toronto-based boutique litigation firm known for disciplined strategy and rigorous advocacy.