WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) demanded Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin explain why the Pentagon has promoted an alleged member of a covert Iranian influence network to a senior post overseeing military training. Congressman Mast is further demanding the Pentagon open an investigation into the individual and other employees who may have lied about their ties to Iran to obtain a security clearance.

“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,” said 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.” 

Congressman Mast raised those concerns in a letter to Secretary Austin amid news of Ariane Tabatabai’s promotion to deputy assistant secretary of defense for force education and training. In 2023, Semafor reported that Tabatabai was part of a long-running covert Iranian influence campaign within the United States. 

The Biden administration appointed Tabatabai to work under Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley — whose security clearance was revoked and is under investigation for leaking classified information to Tehran. Tabatabai, herself, has been investigated by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency for her ties to Iran. The results of that investigation have not been made fully clear. 

Tabatabai’s tenure in the Pentagon has coincided with the leak of U.S. intelligence and other security documents relating to Israel’s defense capabilities. In particular, U.S. intelligence about Israeli retaliatory strike plans on Iranian nuclear facilities were leaked on Telegram channels connected to Tehran.

Given the severity of that breach, Congressman Mast is demanding investigations into every individual employed by the Pentagon and other federal agencies that have ties to Iran — including Tabatabai. A copy of the letter can be found here. 

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