A Pentagon official was given a huge promotion despite investigations into her alleged ties with an Iranian influence network.
Ariane Tabatabai now serves as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for force education and training, after previously holding the role of chief of staff to the assistant secretary of defense for special operations.
The Pentagon has dismissed allegations linking Tabatabai, who is Iranian-American, to a document leak investigation.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen Patrick Ryder clarified on Tuesday that Tabatabai is not involved in the leaks, despite claims from international media and widespread social media attention, according to the Washington Examiner.
“To my knowledge, this official is not a subject of interest, and the department remains fully committed to supporting the investigation,” Ryder stated.
“I don’t want to start throwing out names to perpetuate information that, again, as I highlighted my knowledge, the official that was being referenced is not a subject of interest, so just leave it there.”
In September 2023, reports emerged that the Biden administration was scrutinizing Tabatabai’s possible links to an Iranian influence network.
At the time, a department spokesperson rejected the allegations against Tabatabai.
“Dr. Tabatabai was thoroughly and properly vetted as a condition of her employment with the Department of Defense,” the spokesman commented. “We are honored to have her serve.”
During a congressional hearing, Chris Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, acknowledged that the Pentagon is reviewing the processes used to grant Tabatabai top-secret clearance amid accusations of her association with the Iran Experts Initiative.
The Iran Experts Initiative, started in 2014, seeking to enhance Tehran’s global image through the influence of Western academics, researchers, and policymakers.
Tabatabai was reportedly recruited the same year the initiative was formed, to write opinion pieces and give advice to U.S. officials
