Episode 61 - Mahmut Cengiz and the Iran Situation

How is the Iran conflict impacting on the Middle East, and what does this mean for global security? In episode 61 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan M. Gohel is joined by Dr. Mahmut Cengiz to examine Tehran’s evolving strategy and the wider implications of the current crisis.Drawing on his expertise, Dr. Cengiz explains how Iran relies on asymmetric warfare, including drones, cyber operations, and proxy networks, to impose costs on its adversaries while avoiding full-scale confrontation.Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

How prepared are we for the evolving threat of conflict in the age of ever advancing technology? In episode 60 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel is joined by Alex Townsend-Drake, Head of the Counter Terrorism Preparedness Network (CTPN), to examine how drones have become a serious counterterrorism and national security concern, particularly in urban environments.Their conversation explores how terrorist groups and malign actors use both modified and commercially available drone platforms for surveillance, attack, disruption, and psychological impact. The discussion draws lessons from contemporary conflicts and assesses grey-zone risks and deterrence challenges. Looking ahead, it evaluates emerging capabilities and future threats.Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/deepdiveFollow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

How do decades of frontline counter-terrorism experience shape critical decision-making during moments of national security crisis? In episode 59 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel speaks with Dominic Murphy, Commander of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), about the realities of protecting the UK and allied partners from terrorism and hostile state threats. Drawing on his career responding to the 7/7 London bombings, the wave of terrorist attacks in 2017, and major overseas incidents, Commander Murphy explains why preparation, intelligence, and leadership under pressure are essential to keeping the public safe.Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

What makes a society peaceful? And how can studying peace help us build a safer world? In episode 58 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan M. Gohel is joined by Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), to explore the global dynamics shaping peace, conflict, and security in 2025 and beyond.Drawing on IEP’s pioneering research, Steve explains why understanding what makes societies peaceful is essential to breaking cycles of violence. This includes the impact of the IEP's Global Terrorism Index.Full transcripts for each episode can be found at: deepportal.hq.nato.int/deepdiveFollow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring teams and fans from around the globe to North America - and with them, a range of potential security challenges. In episode 57 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel speaks with Sasha Larkin, Director of Intelligence and C4 Operations for the tournament, to explore how security planning is unfolding for the world's largest sporting event. They also discuss her experience as Assistant Sheriff in Las Vegas, tackling terrorism, organised crime, and active shooter incidents, and how her community-first approach strengthens resilience at every level.Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

The fate of Ukraine has global ramifications. In episode 56 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel is joined by Lieutenant Colonel (R) Alexander Vindman to assess Ukraine’s war effort and why it needs to be supported and sustained. They also discuss the Kremlin’s surprise reshuffle and Russia’s expanding agenda across Europe and Asia. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠ Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

In addition to the events unfolding in the Middle East, global security challenges continues to proliferate elsewhere. In episode 55 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel is joined by Prof. Mahmut Cengiz to discuss the state of global terrorism from Iran to the Sahel and Somalia to Syria. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠ Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

Iran's activities have been at the forefront of global events in recent months. Tehran's proxies have launched multiple missile strikes into neighbouring countries and have targeted the U.S. military, whilst the Houthis in Yemen have brought global maritime trade to a standstill. Join Dr. Sajjan Gohel and former CENTCOM Commander Joseph Votel in episode 54 of NATO DEEP Dive to unpack these issues and more. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

Now more than ever, it is becoming increasingly easier to find extremist content on the internet. We find ourselves in an era characterized by flashy and digestible sound bites that quickly circulate online. This also leads to the proliferation of disinformation. To unpack this, Dr. Sajjan Gohel is joined by two senior members of the NYPD's counterterrorism division, Meghann Teubner and Kelli Foy, in episode 53 of NATO DEEP Dive. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

Even after his death, al-Qaeda's last leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, continues to influence global terrorism. Through his 'Safe Bases' strategy, al-Qaeda and its affiliates are seeking to restore capabilities in Afghanistan, the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. Join the producers, Marcus and Victoria, for the final part of this NATO DEEP Dive special with Dr. Sajjan Gohel, as they discuss his new book, Doctor, Teacher, Terrorist: The Life and Legacy of Al-Qaeda Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.