Top US intel official: Iran supporting, giving money to Gaza war protests in America to disrupt

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines issued a warning on Wednesday about "concerning Iranian activity" in the U.S. related to protests against the war in Gaza.

"In recent weeks, Iranian government actors have sought to opportunistically take advantage of ongoing protests regarding the war in Gaza, using a playbook we’ve seen other actors use over the years," Haines said in her warning statement. "We have observed actors tied to Iran’s government posing as activists online, seeking to encourage protests, and even providing financial support to protesters."

Haines also said that while the "freedom to express diverse views, when done peacefully, is essential to our democracy," it is also "important to warn of foreign actors who seek to exploit our debate for their own purposes."

In addition, Haines said some Americans "who are being targeted by this Iranian campaign may not be aware that they are interacting with or receiving support from a foreign government."

"We urge all Americans to remain vigilant as they engage online with accounts and actors they do not personally know," she said.