U.S. Expert Highlights Iran’s Covert Influence in the Middle East

In a comprehensive briefing on Capitol Hill on November 14, Ambassador Lincoln Bloomfield Jr., a former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. State for Political-Military Affairs, delved deep into the shadowy realm of Iran's influence operations.
In a comprehensive briefing on Capitol Hill on November 14, Ambassador Lincoln Bloomfield Jr., a former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. State for Political-Military Affairs, delved deep into the shadowy realm of Iran's influence operations.

 

Ambassador Bloomfield ,insights offered a stark picture of Tehran’s maneuvers in the Middle East, especially regarding the recent conflicts.   His extensive diplomatic background, presented a detailed analysis of Iran’s strategies in response to internal challenges, citing the October 7 attacks as a key example.

He emphasized Iran’s investment in propaganda and repression to maintain control both domestically and internationally. “The regime in Tehran maintained a wall of falsehoods and propaganda for over 40 years, backed by harsh repression,” Bloomfield asserted.

 

 

In his speech, Bloomfield didn’t shy away from historical contexts, exploring the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) ‘s roots and its opposition to the Iranian clerical dictatorship. He challenged the media’s perception of the situation, urging journalists to “delve deeper into the intricacies” and not fall for Tehran’s “deceit tactics.”

Bloomfield also highlighted the importance of a national policy on Iran, stressing unity in these “troubled times.” He paid homage to the bravery of journalists in the Middle East, many of whom lost their lives covering the conflict. “Journalists are being very, very brave,” he said, underscoring the significant risks they face.

 

 

Furthermore, Bloomfield criticized the lack of critical analysis in Western media regarding Iran’s activities. He questioned the reporting on Tehran’s actions, implying that some narratives might be influenced by Iran’s disinformation campaigns. “One never sees the story that I want to tell you reported in the West,” he lamented, suggesting a gap in Western understanding of Iran’s political maneuvers.

The Ambassador’s comments come at a critical time when the Middle East is grappling with numerous conflicts and power shifts. His call for a more nuanced understanding of Iran’s covert operations and the role of organizations like MEK in the region’s political landscape is a poignant reminder of the complexities at play.

 

 

As tensions continue in the Middle East, Bloomfield’s insights provide a crucial perspective on the undercurrents shaping the region’s politics. His call to journalists and policymakers to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper dynamics at play is a valuable contribution to the discourse on Middle Eastern affairs.

 

 

 


MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her siteTwitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu