Harris Blocks Inquiry on Iran Ties

Vice President Kamala Harris is under fire for allegedly obstructing a congressional inquiry into her national security adviser, Phil Gordon, and his connections to an Iranian influence network. The inquiry, initiated by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) last month, centers on Gordon's relationship with Ariane Tabatabai, a Pentagon official linked to an Iranian-run network that reportedly communicates with Tehran's foreign ministry. Senator Tom Cotton has expressed concern over Harris's lack of response to the inquiry, emphasizing the potential security risks posed by Gordon's associations. In a letter to Harris, Cotton criticized her for not addressing the national security threat posed by Gordon's ties, questioning whether her policies align with Iranian interests. He highlighted that the presence of such a risk within her inner circle should have warranted immediate attention. The inquiry comes amid Harris's controversial stance on Israel, where she has indicated a willingness to challenge the nation regarding its actions against Iranian proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. The scrutiny intensified following revelations that Tabatabai, who has been linked to the Iran Experts Initiative, visited the Biden-Harris White House multiple times after her connections were made public. Cotton has called for an immediate investigation into Gordon's ties to Iran and demanded a response to previous inquiries. Gordon's recent comments on the situation in Gaza, where he criticized Israel's actions, have further fueled concerns regarding his influence and the administration's foreign policy direction.