DNI confirms Iranian operatives give financial support to pro-Hamas groups in the US

Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence, issued a statement on Tuesday affirming that Iran’s foreign operatives are not only inciting the ongoing anti-Israel demonstrations within the United States but are also providing financial backing to sustain the movement.

Since Hamas’ assaults in Israel on October 7, 2023, protests against Israel and the United States have persisted.

A range of organizations have been involved in the college sit-ins and street demonstrations that have occurred in the ensuing months, some of which have escalated into violence, including organized protests culminating in attacks on the White House.

‘In recent weeks, Iranian government actors have sought to opportunistically take advantage of ongoing protests regarding the war in Gaza.’

“As I noted in testimony to the Congress in May, Iran is becoming increasingly aggressive in their foreign influence efforts, seeking to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our democratic institutions, as we have seen them do in the past, including in prior election cycles,” Haines explained.

“They continue to adapt their cyber and influence activities, using social media platforms and issuing threats. It is likely they will continue to rely on their intelligence services in these efforts, as well as Iran-based online influencers, to promote their narratives,” she continued. “In recent weeks, Iranian government actors have sought to opportunistically take advantage of ongoing protests regarding the war in Gaza, using a playbook we’ve seen other actors use over the years. We have observed actors tied to Iran’s government posing as activists online, seeking to encourage protests, and even providing financial support to protesters.”

Haines went on to say that “Americans who participate in protests are, in good faith, expressing their views on the conflict in Gaza – this intelligence does not indicate otherwise,” but that they may be unaware of how they are being used by the Iranian regime.

The protests will persist beyond the summer months.

Anti-Israel demonstrations are scheduled to take place during the Republican National Convention, Democratic National Convention, and on July 24, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress.

Various organizations have urged their supporters to gather around the Capitol building on that day, offering transportation via buses to Washington, D.C.

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