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

by Jonathan W. Hackett

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

353 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Mojgan Azar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never seen anything like this book. Looking through the bibliography, there are dozens of declassified reports from the CIA, foreign government records, Treasury indictments, and much more, providing primary sources. This is the real story of how a regime crippled by sanctions and cut off from the world could manage to actually grow exponentially richer while taking out its aggression not so much on foreign targets but on its own people. Should be mandatory reading for anyone interested in Middle East politics, and especially for people involved in policy, the military, or decision-making.

[Chuckdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because of the authors insight into the regime over the past decades. I learned a great deal about how Iran functions, and then relationships and “initials” (IRGC/ Qods/ etc) that we hear about.

I’ll also give a plug to the author’s podcast “Eyes On Geopolitics”