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# Covert Contact 38: Iran’s Quest for Regional Domination
- URL: https://johnwlittle.com/irans-quest-for-regional-domination/
- Published: 2016-01-25T07:24:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-17T18:41:35.000Z
- Description: This episode was recorded just after Iran briefly detained and released 10 American sailors. Researcher Phillip Smyth joined me to discuss that event, the explosion of terrible analysis that it triggered, Iran’s quest for regional domination, and its use of proxies to further those aims.
- Author: John Little
- Tags: Covert Contact, Podcast, Interviews, Russia, Phillip Smyth

This episode was recorded just after Iran briefly detained and released 10 American sailors. Researcher Phillip Smyth joined me to discuss that event, the explosion of terrible analysis that it triggered, Iran’s quest for regional domination, and its use of proxies to further those aims. We also look at Iran’s relationship with Russia and the similar strategies they’ve both employed to expand their influence. Where will this sustained, and in many ways successful, effort by Iran to project power regionally take them – and us over the next decade?

You can follow Phillip on Twitter [@PhillipSmyth](https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth?ref=johnwlittle.com).