Ariane Tabatabai has been appointed as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for force education and training, amidst ongoing investigations into her alleged connections with an Iranian influence network.
American-Iranian Tabatabai previously served as chief of staff to the assistant secretary of defense for special operations, according to Politico. The Pentagon refuted claims Tuesday that Tabatabai is involved in the ongoing investigation into the document leak as Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen Patrick Ryder said Tabatabai is not implicated in the leaks, despite accusations from foreign media and widespread discussion on social media, the Washington Examiner reported.
“To my knowledge, this official is not a subject of interest, and the department remains fully committed to supporting the investigation,” Ryder said, the Washington Examiner noted. “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.”
It was reported in September 2023 that the Biden administration was investigating Tabatabai for possible connections to an Iranian influence network, despite earlier affirmations of her thorough vetting and valuable service. At a congressional hearing, Chris Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, admitted that the Pentagon is examining the procedures used to grant Tabatabai top-secret clearance amid allegations of her involvement with the Iran Experts Initiative.
This group, established in 2014, aims to improve Tehran’s global perception, particularly regarding its nuclear ambitions, by influencing Western thought leaders and policymakers. Despite the controversy, Tabatabai retained her position as chief of staff for special operations at the Pentagon, with ongoing investigations into her past affiliations and security clearance processes.
This development follows the revocation of a security clearance for Robert Malley, former special envoy to Iran, who is under FBI investigation for allegedly mishandling classified information. A former U.S. official claimed that Malley and his advisor have been intellectually compromised and accused them of echoing Iranian propaganda, rendering them unfit for U.S. government roles.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
Featured Image Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Johnny Bivera
