His five-volume “Children of Crisis” series, published between 1967 and 1977, drew on his conversations with American children whose voices were not often heard.

Mr. Pelley, who was at CBS News for 37 years, including as a White House correspondent and a “60 Minutes” correspondent, spoke in his first extended interview since he was fired.

An imploding economy is causing hopelessness among both pro- and anti-government Iranians. And for those who wished for regime change, the letdown is palpable.