Video Duration 01 hours 15 minutes 25 seconds 01:15:25 In the second episode of a new series from Al Jazeera Podcasts, Deja Vu looks at Iran and the great powers that tried to shape it.
Why does every empire want Iran – and how has Iran outlasted attempts to control it?
Long before the CIA-backed coup, there were wars with Russia and British control over oil and tobacco.
Iran learned from its history of invasions, wars, and revolution – why do great powers keep making the same mistake?
Political historian Dr.
Mehran Kamrava reveals how great-power rivalry forged modern Iran.
In this episode: Mehran Kamrava (@mehrankamrava), Political Historian, Georgetown University Qatar Episode credits: This episode was produced by Mohamed Hassan, Marcos Bartolomé, and Sonia Bhagat.
It was edited by Alexandra Locke.
Our engagement producer is Adam Abou-Gad.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.
Jo de Frias is Al Jazeera’s head of podcasts.
Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Published On 9 Aug 20269 Aug 2026 Save Share
