Iran’s Shadow Weapons: Covert Action, Intelligence Operations and Unconventional Warfare

Surveillance, assassination, and war by proxy--all ingredients for an unending disaster that never seems to end for those exposed to the wrath of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Despite the prevalence of these and other malign acts, few observers understand why and how the regime chooses these tools of fear and disruption. Even fewer can foil them.

In this first work of its kind, the author draws upon two decades of experience to lay bare the calculus, structure, and execution of Iran’s foreign intelligence activities, covert actions, and unconventional warfare operations. This book reveals how the regime’s shadowy work is driven by a warring mixture of rampant paranoia, unshakable greed, and cold rationality. He meticulously reveals a policy toolkit wielded for self-interest and survival, supported by strategies to eliminate opposition figures, stifle dissent, and promote defense in depth around Iran. Before any others, the Iranian people are simultaneously the regime’s greatest source of insecurity and its chief target in a series of policies taking hold since 1979.

Jonathan W. Hackett is a U.S. Marine with two decades of experience. He has held positions at the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, and the Marine Corps operating forces prior to teaching full spectrum human intelligence operations and security cooperation in Dam Neck, Virginia.