In this episode, we host Edmund Fitton-Brown to explore how Iran projects power beyond its borders through proxies, criminal networks, intelligence services, and deniable operations. Drawing on his experience as a former British Ambassador to Yemen and former senior United Nations expert on ISIS, al-Qaeda and the Taliban, Edmund explains why Iran’s external operations cannot be understood simply through the language of “sleeper cells” or conventional state espionage.

We discuss why Iran’s threat model is increasingly hybrid, asymmetric, and difficult to categorise. From the Houthis’ role in the Red Sea and Hezbollah’s weakened but still significant position in Lebanon, to alleged Iranian-backed plots in the UK, the use of organised criminals, the evolving relationship between Iran and al-Qaeda, and the wider breakdown of international counterterrorism cooperation after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this conversation offers a timely guide to how state-backed coercion, terrorism, proxy warfare, and organised crime now overlap.

Edmund Fitton-Brown is a former British diplomat and counterterrorism specialist. He joined the UK Foreign Service in 1984 and served in several Middle Eastern and European postings, including as British Ambassador to Yemen from 2015 to 2017. He later joined the United Nations Security Council Sanctions Monitoring Team, becoming Coordinator in 2018 and leading work on sanctions and global threat assessment relating to ISIS, al-Qaeda and the Taliban until 2022. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Senior Advisor at the Counter Extremism Project, a RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, and co-host of the CounterPod podcast. His work focuses on Iran, terrorism, proxy warfare, Middle East security and the state-backed threats that blur the boundaries between intelligence activity, organised crime and political violence.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit Conducttr to learn more.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

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