MORE ON IRAN: This story from The Telegraph suggests that a collapse may be imminent, or at least that the mullahs have lost moral and religious authority:

The old American embassy in Teheran might have been seared into the world’s consciousness as the cradle of Iran’s revolution, yet the talk among the young Revolutionary Guards stationed there does not match the murals shouting defiance from battered walls.

“I would live in America, no problem,” said one 22-year-old, who added that he associated the country with “love and freedom”.

Nearby, “Down with USA” was painted on the wall in garish red and yellow hues.

Another guard, also in his 20s, added: “Our government has one view of America but the people have another.

“Our government tries to show the US as an enemy of our country and of our people. All of the young believe the US is good. Most of the people believe this.”

How long can the Mullarchy keep power under these circumstances?