WASHINGTON—The White House on July 25 accused Iran of promoting and funding some of the pro-Palestinian protests across the United States.
“We do know that Iran has been funding and encouraging some of the protest activity here in the United States,” John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said at a White House press briefing.
“We do not believe that all the protest activity out there on a daily basis is being fully funded by Iran,” he noted.
These comments were made after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, condemned American protesters for aiding Iran.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered around the U.S. Capitol as Mr. Netanyahu gave his speech to lawmakers. Protesters replaced American flags with Palestinian ones and set U.S. flags on fire at Union Station near the Capitol.
“Yesterday, at Union Station in Washington, D.C., we saw despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric,” she said. “I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and presents the promise of America.”
In a statement on July 9, Ms. Haines warned that Iran was trying to stoke protests in the United States in support of the terrorist group Hamas.
“Iran is becoming increasingly aggressive in their foreign influence efforts, seeking to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our democratic institutions,” Ms. Haines said. “We have observed actors tied to Iran’s government posing as activists online, seeking to encourage protests, and even providing financial support to protesters.”
President Joe Biden met with Mr. Netanyahu at the White House on July 25 to discuss the Israel–Hamas war, focusing on the ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of the hostages held by the terrorist organization.
During the meeting, President Biden stressed the need to close the remaining gaps and finalize the peace deal as soon as possible, according to the White House.
The two leaders also met with the families of American hostages at the White House.
Ms. Harris held a separate meeting with the Israeli prime minister on the same day. The meeting with Mr. Netanyahu took on new significance as she emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee this week after President Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.
