Kamala Harris met with an Iranian regime operative, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, who has close ties to groups promoting antisemitic hate on American campuses. Elahi, an Iranian-born cleric who led the Iranian Navy’s political-ideological office in the 1980s, has long-standing connections to Iran and has publicly praised the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ayatollah Khomeini, and Hezbollah.
In July 2021, Harris and Elahi interacted at a vaccination event in Detroit, with plans to visit his controversial Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn, Michigan, which were canceled due to a flood. Elahi’s nonprofit organization highlighted the meeting, noting his congratulations to the administration for their COVID-19 efforts and Harris’s appreciation for the organization’s preparations.
A recent report from George Washington University’s Program on Extremism details Iran’s efforts to spread hateful propaganda in the U.S., singling out the Alavi Foundation, which has funneled nearly $500,000 to Elahi’s organization since 2000. Jim Hanson of the Middle East Forum critiques Democrats for their outreach to individuals like Elahi, who maintain deep ties to the Iranian regime.
Elahi, 68, frequently posts photos with former Iranian presidents on social media and has openly supported Hezbollah. He was also involved in promoting Tehran’s influence on Shi’ite communities in the U.S. and is a member of the Ahl Al-Bayt World Assembly, an Iranian-based organization aiming to extend regime influence globally.
Despite his connections to Tehran, Elahi has managed to associate with prominent American Democrats, including Harris, John Kerry, and Gretchen Whitmer. The GWU report also mentions Michigan Sen. Gary Peters and Rep. Debbie Dingell as individuals who have interacted with Elahi. Elahi regularly donates to Democrats through ActBlue, and the Alavi Foundation, a prime benefactor, has been under federal scrutiny for its alleged ties to the Iranian government.
In July, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines confirmed that Iranian government actors have supported protests related to the war in Gaza. Lara Burns of GWU corroborates this, noting the alignment of protest messaging with support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. The Alavi Foundation is central to Iran’s influence campaign in the U.S., funding various mosques and entities that disseminate Tehran’s viewpoint.
Sam Westrop of the Middle East Forum highlights Iran’s collaboration with various groups in Europe and North America, particularly following the October 7th attacks. Sen. Roger Marshall emphasizes the need for an administration that stands against Iran’s propaganda and antisemitic views.
