Former Deputy CIA Director John McLaughlin and Middle East expert Jonathan Broder discuss a deep cover Russian spy case in Holland. They also analyze Mossad's war on Iran, including recent assassinations and a mysterious poisoning in Tehran. The podcast explores covert operations and counterintelligence, shifting dynamics in Syria, Iran's threats to Israel, frustrations among US allies, and the role of Russian illegals in espionage.
Russian spies use elaborate cover stories to infiltrate targets, raising concerns about the extent of their networks.
Israel's Mossad employs targeted killings and covert operations to disrupt Iran's nuclear program and protect national security.
Deep dives
Russian GRU Agent Caught Trying to Infiltrate International Criminal Court
Dutch intelligence revealed a strange espionage case involving a Russian GRU agent, posing as a Brazilian, attempting to infiltrate the International Criminal Court in the Hague. The agent had studied at the Johns Hopkins School of International Studies and had connections to former Deputy CIA Director John McLaughlin. The case highlights the elaborate cover stories used by Russian illegals to establish credibility and gather intelligence. This incident raises questions about the extent of Russian espionage networks and their ability to operate undetected.
Escalating Shadow War Between Israel and Iran
The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with recent events including assassinations and a mysterious poisoning in Tehran. Israel's Mossad is believed to be responsible for several targeted assassinations in Iran, including the deputy commander of a covert unit responsible for overseas kidnappings and assassinations. These covert operations and targeted killings have been ongoing since 2017. Additionally, Iran's development of underground tunnels near its nuclear facility at Natanz raises concerns of potential sabotage, particularly considering Iran's use of drones and missile attacks in the region. The ongoing shadow war poses a significant threat in the Middle East.
Challenges Faced by Iranian Assassination Attempts
Iran has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to assassinate Israelis in various countries, such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Turkey. These failed attempts can be attributed, in part, to the Israeli's effective liaison with intelligence agencies in those countries. Israel's strong connections and intelligence networks have mitigated these threats. However, Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah, continue to pose a security risk. The asymmetry in effectiveness between Iran's attempted assassinations and Israel's successful targeted killings highlights the capability of Israeli counterintelligence and its effective network within Iran.
Israel's Strategic Actions in the Shadow War
Israel employs a strategy of targeted killings and covert operations to slow down Iran's nuclear program and gain time to develop more comprehensive solutions. Israeli intelligence officers target high-ranking individuals involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs, disrupting their operations and gathering valuable intelligence. The Mossad's successful cyber attack on Iran's nuclear program, known as Stuxnet, is an example of their efforts to impede Iran's progress. These targeted actions are part of a broader strategy to delay Iran's nuclear ambitions and prevent potential threats to Israel's security.
Former Deputy CIA Director John McLaughlin and Jeanne Meserve discuss the case of a deep cover Russian spy rolled up in Holland. Mossad’s war on Iran gets scrutinized by Middle East expert Jonathan Broder and Jeff Stein.