Top Intel director says Iranians fund and provoke anti-Israel protests in US.
Iranian Government Actors Funding Anti-Israel Protests in the US, warns top US Intel Official
The Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, issued a statement on Tuesday warning about the increasingly aggressive campaign by “actors tied to Iran’s government” to fund and stoke anti-Israel protests on US soil. Haines expressed concerns about Iranian activities and their attempts to undermine democratic institutions through cyber and influence activities.
In her statement, Haines highlighted that individuals linked to the Iranian government were posing as activists online to encourage protests and providing financial support to protesters. This comes as part of Iran’s larger efforts to promote their narratives and influence events in the US.
Haines emphasized that Americans need to stay vigilant while engaging online with unknown accounts and actors, as they may unknowingly be interacting with foreign government agents. She underscored the likelihood of Iran continuing to rely on intelligence services and online influencers based in Iran to further their agenda.
Background of Anti-Israel Protests
Anti-Israel protests have been on the rise in the US, particularly on college campuses, with varying motivations behind them. While some protesters express solidarity with Hamas, others demonstrate against Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza. Tehran has attempted to associate itself with these protests, possibly as a response to the killing of Qassem Soleimani during the Trump administration.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) released a report in November detailing the interconnected nature of 15 Iran-backed militias across the Middle East, all with close ties to Tehran. These militias act as a “force multiplier” for Iran’s anti-US and anti-Israel agenda in the region.
According to Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at FDD, the crux of the issue in the Middle East lies in Iran’s hostile attitude towards the US. Roggio criticized the US government for engaging in negotiations with Iran, treating the regime as a responsible actor on the global stage.
As tensions continue to escalate due to Iran’s interference in US affairs, it is essential for Americans to stay informed and cautious about online interactions. The US government and its intelligence agencies are working diligently to counter Iranian influence, but individual vigilance is equally crucial in safeguarding democratic values and institutions.
