The Gaza war has led to widespread suffering in the Middle East and international outrage.
Demonstrations criticizing Israeli military actions have erupted globally, including in the US, where some protests have included anti-Semitic slogans and riots.
US intelligence coordinator Avril Haines stated that Iran is playing a major role in these protests.
As reported by Der Spiegel, Haines has accused Tehran of financially supporting demonstrators to stir up anti-Israel sentiments.
"We have observed that actors linked to the Iranian government are posing as activists online and trying to fuel protests and even financially supporting the demonstrators," Haines explained.
She stated that these actors have tried to exploit the ongoing protests against the Gaza war in recent weeks.
Haines clarified that not all protests are influenced by Iran and that many individuals in the US genuinely oppose Israel's actions or US policy regarding the Gaza war.
"The freedom to peacefully express different opinions is essential to our democracy, but it is also important to warn against foreign actors who seek to exploit our debate for their own ends," Haines continued.
Iran considers Israel its mortal enemy and supports Hamas, the Palestinian organization that triggered the Gaza war with a massive terror attack on October 7, killing up to 1,200 people.
