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Washington Institute for Near East Policy’s Matthew Levitt on the growing shadow war between the U.S. and Iran.
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My next guest says the United States is in the midst of a shadow war with -- -- And the relations between the United States and Iran have become as contentious as and the 1980s.
Joining me now is Matthew eleven he's director of the Washington institute for Hillary's policy Stein program on counterterrorism.
And intelligence it's great to have you back -- -- let's talk about.
The shadow war.
Particularly in this hemisphere because I think most people don't understand the reach of Iran.
We've talked about various.
In inroads in the part of the Iranians into this hemisphere.
But I I think most people probably are surprised to find out that there is.
A specific rob from Iran to Caracas.
That a rainy and influence is growing in the region.
Lou thanks for having me back and it's very true.
-- law enforcement refers to these flights from Tehran to Caracas Venezuela's arrow terror.
And this recent plot by the Iran includes force targeting the Saudi ambassador here in Washington DC.
Targeting a prominent restaurant -- the day.
Indicates that Iran has the capability and sometimes they intend to carry out operations here an alarmist Western Hemisphere.
But the problem is we shouldn't be surprised by this -- you -- -- called in 1994 bombing.
Of the -- Jewish community center and grants areas and an investigation there revealed very clearly how extensive role Iran in diplomats played in that attack after woods.
Officials testified for congress that they were talking with there.
Ally south of the border trying get them to constrict that diplomatic presence instead it has grown dramatically not only the number of missions I think that up to twelve now.
But these missions are huge well beyond what is need different diplomatic.
Endeavors in the region.
And that's what I notice and obviously that's stamp comprised in part at least.
Of of intelligence.
Officials and agent and so within the others are doing and what is the reaction of our allies in this hemisphere and those who -- -- not our allies including Venezuela.
Well you have states like Bolivia and Venezuela that are trying to stick their finger in the American -- and that's one of the main reasons they're trying to.
Reach out to Iran.
There are other is with whom we have better relationships.
That are gonna think twice about this.
Anybody who who cares about international conventions on protection of diplomats is gonna.
Be concerned about this plot.
But the shadow war goes both ways you know Iran looks access the Green movement and it looks at the revolution in Syria.
And it sees this as as an American construct it looks at the stocks that virus and the defections of could force people -- the assassinations of scientists tied to -- nuclear program right and correct clearing correctly sees our hand in that.
And I don't think we should dissuade them of that opinion they need to think they need to understand their consequences to plotting attacks -- -- -- -- Now there's always good to have you here and come back soon as we continue to examine the shadow war we appreciate Matthew left.
