S9 Ep30: Mission Iran: Behind the Scenes of Operation Eagle Claw with James Stejskal

Guest host and spy thriller writer Stephen England sits down with
James Stejskal, a former US Army Special Forces soldier, CIA
officer, historian, and author. They discuss Stejskal’s journey
from special operations and intelligence work to writing both
fiction and nonfiction. The conversation focuses on Mission Iran,
his latest book, which uncovers Special Forces Detachment A’s
covert role in Operation Eagle Claw, the 1980 mission to rescue
American hostages in Tehran. Stejskal shares firsthand insights
into the mission, the dynamics between Special Forces, the CIA,
and the State Department, and how his experience in the field
shaped his writing. They also explore his Snake Eater Chronicles
thrillers, his research into Cold War Berlin, and his upcoming
novel, The Rat Catcher of Berlin. Along the way, Stejskal
reflects on the reality of intelligence operations, the
challenges of writing both history and fiction, and the enduring
influence of special operations forces in modern conflicts.

Don’t miss this deep dive into espionage history, real-world
spycraft, and how it translates into gripping storytelling.

Connect with James on his website:
https://jamesstejskal.wordpress.com/
Follow James on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/James-Stejskal-Writer/100063534272964/

Find Mission Iran and James’ other books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Stejskal/author/B00NXOQG4Y


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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird

Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence,
covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a
way that is digestible but serious. Each episode unpacks global
events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics,
featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and
analysts.