A recent statement regarding Iran’s subversion efforts in America released by Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, has inspired a bipartisan group of U.S. House members to call for more information on the threat.
On Wednesday, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) led a letter to Haines calling for a classified briefing on the Iranian influence operations. Thirty-one legislators signed, including Reps. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Susie Lee (D-Nev.) Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).
“As you have noted, Iran is increasingly aggressive in their foreign influence efforts,” the letter stated. “Iran is already the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, supporting terrorist proxy groups including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, who have targeted America and our allies.”
The representatives wrote that “if there is evidence that Iranian government officials are posing as activists online to encourage and financially support protests and protesters, it is vital that Congress is apprised of these specific threats. We look forward to a classified briefing.”
