Treasure Coast Sun

Congressman Brian Mast from Florida's 21st district has called on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to clarify the Pentagon's decision to promote an alleged Iranian influence network member to a senior role overseeing military training. Mast is urging the Pentagon to investigate the individual in question and any other employees who may have concealed their connections to Iran for security clearance purposes.

"Promoting an Iranian influence agent to a position that oversees the education and training of America’s elite warriors is the equivalent of giving the Ayatollah access to how we train our troops and what weapons systems they use," stated Congressman Mast. "This has grave national security implications given the Islamic Republic of Iran has sought to assassinate President Donald Trump and interfered in the 2024 elections to benefit President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris."

These concerns were expressed by Congressman Mast in a letter addressed to Secretary Austin, following reports about Ariane Tabatabai's elevation to deputy assistant secretary of defense for force education and training. In 2023, Semafor revealed that Tabatabai was allegedly involved in a covert Iranian influence campaign within the United States.

The Biden administration had previously appointed Tabatabai under Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley, whose security clearance was revoked amid investigations into leaking classified information to Tehran. Tabatabai herself has been scrutinized by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency concerning her ties with Iran, though findings from this investigation remain unclear.

During Tabatabai's time at the Pentagon, there have been leaks involving U.S. intelligence documents related to Israel’s defense strategies. Notably, intelligence regarding Israeli plans for retaliatory strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities surfaced on Telegram channels linked with Tehran.

In light of these developments, Congressman Mast is advocating for thorough investigations into all individuals working at the Pentagon or other federal agencies with potential links to Iran, including Tabatabai.

###