In recent weeks, we’ve seen a masterclass in double standards in coverage of the massive anti-government protests in Iran, and US President Donald Trump’s boorish threats to attack the country. The other ritual interruption, often used in response to statements of verifiable fact from Palestinian guests, representatives of aid agencies, and just about anyone critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza was: “But Israel would say.”

I have not witnessed any news presenter counter a guest with “Iran would say” since the protests began. Not once. It would be unthinkable and, if it did happen, there would be howls of rage from the political and media establishments.

Trump’s pretext, that he wanted to “help” the protesters, was treated earnestly. During a 15-minute discussion, the “regime” (a word only ever applied to western foes) was lambasted for its brutality, with no qualifying statements from presenter Victoria Derbyshire. And in a pitch-perfect illustration of the media’s double standard, Syed, after a thinly veiled attack on Islam, described Iranian authorities as “genocidal”. Again, nothing from Derbyshire.

Though Djalili stopped short of advocating for the US to bomb Tehran, he did want Trump to get involved, and claimed he was speaking on behalf of the Iranian people. “The people of Iran are saying … if there’s some kind of outside help, we’ll take it,” he said. “If Trump wants to do something that will help us, we’re not going to say no.”

The comedian, who hasn’t been to Iran since he was six years old in 1971, said that Iranians were rallying around Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah of Iran. “He represents national unity,” Djalili said to absolutely no pushback, clarifying questions, or context from the presenter.