In a July 9, 2024, press release, Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, revealed that the U.S. intelligence community has observed actors tied to Iran’s government posing as activists online.

These actors are encouraging protests and providing financial support to protesters. Haines stated that this disclosure aims to inform the public about foreign efforts to influence U.S. democratic processes.

Haines highlighted that in recent weeks, Iranian government actors have been exploiting ongoing protests regarding the war in Gaza.

She warned that Americans targeted by this Iranian campaign might not realize they are interacting with or receiving support from a foreign government.

While the U.S. intelligence community usually operates separately from law enforcement, federal prosecutors have previously handled cases involving attempted Iranian influence on American public opinion.

President Biden pardoned one such figure in 2023 as part of a deal to secure the release of American hostages held by Iran, The Editors has reported.

Haines, a Biden appointee and former deputy national security adviser during the Obama administration, emphasized that not all anti-Israel protesters are influenced by Iran.

She clarified that Americans participating in protests are genuinely expressing their views on the conflict in Gaza.

However, she stressed the importance of warning about foreign actors exploiting these debates for their own purposes.

Haines promised to provide more updates on foreign influence efforts as the 2024 campaign season progresses.

Written by B.C. Begley