Report: Biden Admin Official Accused of Undermining Iranian Opposition in Covert Campaign

Pentagon Aide Accused of Covert Campaign to Undermine Critics of Iran

In⁣ a recent report sent to ‍President Joe Biden, a Pentagon aide​ born in Iran,⁤ Ariane Tabatabai, has been accused of being involved in a “covert campaign” within ⁣the United States aimed​ at undermining influential critics of Iran.

Despite the explosive allegations ‍published in Semafor‍ earlier this fall, Tabatabai has managed to retain her security clearance, as reported by ‍ Daily Wire.

The operation allegedly began in ⁤2014 when Iran established the Iran Experts Initiative (IEI), a propaganda and influence campaign that⁢ recruited ⁢talented individuals from the Iranian diaspora to help​ secure a favorable nuclear deal. The group reported to an official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), a designated terrorist organization, with the⁣ involvement of Iran’s former ‍Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.

According to a report by University of Baltimore professor Ivan Sascha Sheehan, published by​ the New​ York Post, Tabatabai and other members of⁣ the IEI engaged in a “covert campaign” to discredit the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK), ‌a prominent‌ opposition group to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime.

“By seeking to neutralize favorable impressions of ⁣the organization ‌among Washington’s foreign ⁢policy elite, Tehran⁣ sought​ to take down an entity capable of aiding Western attempts to curtail the​ Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons program,‌ malign regional agenda, human rights abuses, and fundamentalist inclinations,” the report stated, with endorsement ⁢from former ​vice presidential national security adviser Lincoln Bloomfield.

The report also received endorsement from Spanish political leader Alejo Vidal-Quadras Roca,⁢ who was recently targeted in an‌ attack in Madrid, potentially linked to Iran. A British intelligence official confirmed in an interview that Iran has⁢ been carrying out an increasing ⁤number ⁤of attempted assassinations on Western soil.

“By brazenly targeting the‍ highly ⁤effective dissident organization, the operatives hoped to leave US officials with the false impression that there is no viable alternative to the⁢ ayatollahs ⁣— and certainly not one with a ‍pro-democracy record that remains ⁣committed⁢ to toppling clerical rule,” the report added.

The report was presented⁢ to President Biden on Monday, and Sheehan plans to brief lawmakers on its findings.

According to Sheehan’s report, the alleged IEI spies wrote op-eds‌ in Western media to smear Iran’s opponents and discourage a shift in the US government’s policy⁣ towards regime change in Iran.

“These viewpoints included beliefs such as, ‘According to Khamenei’s fatwa, Nuclear bomb is not Halal in Shiite belief and therefore will not be developed by the theocratic regime’ and ⁢’the regime has ⁤no viable alternative and MEK is disliked in Iran, ⁤and therefore⁤ this regime has to and will stay despite any discontent,'” ‌Sheehan wrote.

Tabatabai previously worked under Robert Malley, President Biden’s now-suspended special envoy to Iran, before⁤ joining the Department of Defense. Malley is currently under investigation ‌by the FBI for his alleged ‌mishandling of ​classified material, as reported by⁤ the Daily Wire.

How did Tabatabai and the IEI allegedly manipulate public opinion and discredit critics⁢ of ⁣Iran’s ‌regime?

Deology,” Sheehan wrote in his report.

The tactics used by ⁢Tabatabai and the IEI allegedly included spreading disinformation, conducting online smear campaigns, and influencing media​ coverage to tarnish the reputation of the MEK and ⁢its influential supporters. The report by Sheehan detailed how Tabatabai and her colleagues utilized their connections ​and ‌skills to manipulate public opinion and discredit those who⁢ were critical of Iran’s regime.

Tabatabai, who served as an analyst at the Pentagon’s Iran team, has denied the allegations, stating that she ‌never ⁤engaged in any covert campaign and that the accusations are baseless. However, evidence presented in Sheehan’s report, as⁤ well as⁣ testimonies from former members of the IEI, seem to ​point ⁤towards her involvement in the operation.

The fact that Tabatabai has retained her security clearance despite the allegations has raised concerns about ⁤the effectiveness of the screening ⁢process within the Pentagon.⁣ Critics argue that allowing an individual accused of being⁣ part of an influence campaign to keep ⁢their security clearance poses a significant risk​ to national security.

These allegations​ come at a critical time in US-Iran relations, as⁤ the Biden administration‌ is seeking ⁢to revive the nuclear deal with Iran. Critics argue that ⁣if individuals like Tabatabai can manipulate ⁢public opinion and influence policy through covert campaigns, it undermines the credibility and effectiveness‍ of any future agreements ⁤or negotiations with Iran.

The allegations against Tabatabai and the IEI highlight the growing concern over Iran’s use of ‍influence operations to advance its agenda and undermine its opponents. This​ case serves as a‍ reminder that national security agencies must remain vigilant in identifying and countering covert campaigns, especially ‍those orchestrated by ⁣foreign actors seeking to undermine the interests and⁤ values of the United States.

As investigations into the allegations against ⁣Tabatabai continue, it is essential for the Biden administration⁤ to reevaluate its screening processes and ensure that individuals with potentially conflicting loyalties ⁣or ties to foreign entities are not granted positions of influence‌ within the government. Upholding the ⁢integrity and security of the United States should be the ⁣utmost‌ priority for any administration, regardless‌ of political affiliations.

The revelations regarding Tabatabai and the ‌IEI raise questions about ‌the ⁤broader issue of foreign influence campaigns and highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in countering such operations. As adversaries continue to exploit⁢ vulnerabilities in democracies, governments must ‍develop robust strategies to⁢ prevent⁢ and respond⁣ to covert influence⁤ campaigns that threaten national⁢ security and democratic processes.

Ultimately, the case of Tabatabai serves as a stark reminder that the fight against covert influence campaigns is an ongoing battle. The⁣ United States and its ‍allies must remain vigilant, proactive, ​and ​responsive to effectively counter these threats and protect national interests.

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