Kamala Harris is dodging a congressional investigation into disturbing connections between her national security adviser and an Iranian influence network. The Washington Free Beacon revealed that Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) launched an investigation into Phil Gordon, Harris' national security adviser, due to concerns about his association with Pentagon official Ariane Tabatabai. Tabatabai was exposed last year as part of an Iranian-run influence network with direct ties to Tehran's foreign ministry, the Washington's Free Lighthouse.
Despite a clear August 9 deadline, Harris has not provided the requested information about Gordon's connections to Tabatabai and other pro-Tehran advocacy groups. Cotton criticized Harris for his non-response, highlighting the national security risk Gordon poses because of his apparent ties to the Iranian regime. The senator's letter bluntly questioned whether Harris has been aware of these ties and is simply indifferent because of his policies aligned with Tehran's interests.
Red Beach Nation Freedom-Loving Beachwear – Save 10% with code RVM10
Gordon is a key foreign policy adviser to Harris and is expected to play a major role in national security if Harris ascends to the presidency. Several of Harris' campaign advisers, including Ilan Goldenberg, are also advocating for increased diplomacy with Iran, raising additional red flags about his foreign policy direction.
Harris has also not shied away from confronting Israel, as evidenced by his call in March for an Israeli ceasefire during a conflict with Hamas, criticizing the Jewish state for what he called a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. Cotton's letter emphasized Harris' responsibility to thoroughly vet his advisers, especially those with possible ties to foreign regimes hostile to the United States.
The concerns stem from Gordon's co-authorship of multiple articles with Tabatabai that openly supported the Iranian regime's perspectives. These articles were published after Tabatabai was linked to the Iran Experts Initiative, a network involved in advancing Tehran's interests within US political circles. That network has ties to the former Biden administration envoy to Iran, Robert Malley, who was suspended on suspicion of leaking classified information.
Gordon's defense of the Iranian regime's position is all the more troubling given that Tabatabai visited the Biden-Harris White House on at least eight occasions after her connections to the influence network were revealed. Records show those visits included meetings organized by the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, which is responsible for vetting government nominees.
Adding to the controversy, Gordon met with pro-Tehran analyst Ali Vaez at the White House in February. Vaez, like Tabatabai, has reported ties to the Iranian influence operation.
In his latest letter, Cotton urged Harris to “immediately investigate Mr. Gordon's ties to the Iranian regime” and to address the concerns raised in his earlier communication. Cotton also pointed to Gordon's ongoing bias against Israel, which only serves Tehran's interests. An example of this bias was Gordon's August 10 tweet in which he criticized Israel for civilian casualties in Gaza, accusing the Jewish state of targeting “innocent Palestinians.”
In response, a Biden-Harris administration official dismissed Cotton's concerns as “baseless and absurd,” defending Gordon's career as a respected national security expert. The official stated that Gordon has consistently opposed Iran's malign activities and supported Israel's security. Despite these assurances, disturbing connections between Harris' adviser and a hostile foreign regime remain unanswered.
This piece was written by the LifeZette News Staff on August 15, 2024. It originally appeared on LifeZette and used with permission.
Read more at LifeZette:
California Sheriff Slams Kamala Harris Over Misleading Campaign Ad
Rogan on CNN: “People think you're full of S…”
Report: RFK Jr. he is seeking a cabinet post in exchange for standing down, supporting Harris
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RVM News. Contact us for guidelines for submitting your own comment.
English 
Español de Venezuela 