Iranian Government Covertly Encouraging American Campus Protests, Says Top U.S. Intelligence Official

The Iranian government has been secretly supporting and encouraging campus protests in the United States over Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, according to Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence. In a statement, Haines revealed that Iranian-linked groups have been posing as online activists on popular U.S. social media platforms, providing financial support and urging protesters to take action. This covert effort by Iran is part of a broader strategy to sow discord and undermine confidence in American democratic institutions.

The revelation comes as the latest evidence of how foreign adversaries are exploiting the internet to manipulate domestic debates and widen political divisions in the United States. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the importance of alerting Americans to foreign powers’ attempts to exploit and co-opt legitimate protest activities. She firmly stated that Iran’s meddling in U.S. politics and its efforts to stoke division are unacceptable.

In recent years, countries like Iran, Russia, and China have honed their abilities to use online bots and networks of fake social media accounts to amplify divisive issues within the United States. These influence campaigns often exploit existing social conflicts. Haines noted that while Americans have the right to express their views through protests, they need to be aware when foreign actors are attempting to meddle in domestic American politics.

Campus protests related to Israel’s actions in Gaza have gained momentum across the country in recent months. These protests have become a significant factor in political campaigns, raising concerns about the role of Israel and the potential for a larger regional conflict involving Iran. However, Iran is not the only nation seeking to influence American discourse ahead of the 2024 election.

During a briefing with reporters, intelligence officials, including representatives from the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, spoke on condition of anonymity. They revealed that America’s adversaries are looking to leverage artificial intelligence to expand the reach and penetration of their influence campaigns. The officials emphasized that Russia remains the greatest threat, with the Kremlin mounting a government-wide effort to spread election disinformation ahead of the 2024 race.

Russia has previously exploited debates over immigration as part of its disinformation strategy. To cover its tracks, Russia is laundering its disinformation through supposedly independent news sites and American influencers who may unknowingly parrot Russian talking points. The officials did not directly state a preference for a particular presidential candidate but highlighted that Russia’s preference remains consistent with prior election cycles, where they were assessed to have worked to get Republican candidate Donald Trump elected.

While China has engaged in disinformation campaigns during Taiwan’s recent election, officials stated that China does not currently show any indication of trying to influence the U.S. presidential race. One official noted that China does not see a benefit in choosing between candidates who are perceived as trying to curb its power.

Senator Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed gratitude to the intelligence community for holding the briefing, recognizing the need to inform the public about the threat of foreign disinformation. Warner highlighted that social media continues to be a popular vector for foreign covert influence attempts, with adversaries focused on stoking social, racial, and political tensions among Americans.