The Iranian regime is actively engaging in influence campaigns to incite and fund anti-Israel protests in the United States, according to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. In a statement released on Tuesday, Haines warned that Iran is covertly encouraging American protests over Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The goal is to stoke outrage ahead of the upcoming fall elections.
Haines noted that the Iranian government has both provoked and provided financial support for these protests. She emphasized that the connections between U.S.-based demonstrators and the Iranian regime and its affiliates are more extensive than previously believed. This strategy includes posing as activists online, encouraging protests, and financially backing some protest groups.
The White House condemned Tehran’s actions, labeling them as unacceptable. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stressed the need to warn Americans about foreign efforts to exploit legitimate protest activities.Â
Director Haines stated that while many American citizens participating in anti-Israel protests are acting in good faith, there are foreign actors seeking to exploit these movements for malicious purposes. The Iranian government’s actions are part of a broader, more aggressive foreign influence effort aimed at undermining confidence in U.S. democratic institutions.
The influence of Iran extends to U.S. universities, where protests against Israel have been notably supported and encouraged by actors linked to Tehran. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has publicly praised student protesters for aligning with Iran’s stance against American and Israeli policies.
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