U.S. Intelligence Chief: Iran Funding and Influencing Gaza Protests

Jul 9, 2024, 08:22 PM

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines has released a statement warning that the Iranian government is actively seeking to influence and support anti-Israel protests in the United States. Haines highlighted that Iranian agents are posing as activists and providing financial backing to protesters, particularly those involved in Gaza protests. The intelligence community has observed these actors leveraging social media to encourage protests and attempting to undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions. These activities have been noted on college campuses and are seen as efforts to stoke discord during an election year. The White House has condemned these actions, describing them as unacceptable interference in American politics.