Western Influencers Attend Iranian Propaganda Trip Hosted by U.S.-Sanctioned Media Outlet
Influencers are in Iran on a trip organized by a U.S.-sanctioned media outlet, touring an IRGC military exhibit and meeting with regime officials, raising concerns of potential sanctions violations
From July 17–21, 2025, a group of international journalists and social media influencers have been participating in a four-day event in Iran titled "Condemnation of Terrorism Against Media," hosted by the state-run Sobh Media Centre and organized by the U.S.-sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
The ongoing event, which includes visits to an IRGC-established military exhibition and introducing American activists to the Chairman of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, raises serious concerns about Western influencers amplifying Iranian state narratives and potentially violating U.S. sanctions protocols.
The attendees include Richard Medhurst, a UK-based journalist who has been under terrorism investigation by British authorities; Calla Walsh, a U.S. pro-Hamas activist with a criminal record for vandalizing Israeli defense contractor facilities; and Jennifer Koonings, a former Mount Sinai Hospital forensic nurse who was fired for denying accounts of sexual violence committed during Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel.
The Host Organization's Troubling Background
The event is being organized by IRIB's Overseas Department, an entity that has been under U.S. Treasury sanctions since 2013 for acting as "a critical tool in the Iranian government's mass suppression and censorship campaign against its own people." In November 2022, the U.S. Treasury designated six additional senior IRIB employees, specifically targeting what it termed "interrogator-journalists" who cooperate with Iranian intelligence services to extract forced confessions from detainees.
According to Treasury Department findings, IRIB has broadcast "hundreds of forced confessions of Iranian, dual national, and international detainees" using torture, psychological pressure, and threats against family members. The organization regularly produces propaganda content both domestically and internationally, working closely with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The host organization, Sobh Media Centre, has previously presented "The Martyr Ismail Haniyeh Special Award" - named after the former Hamas leader - demonstrating its explicit support for designated terrorist organizations.
Concerning Activities and Statements
The event itinerary has included visits to locations including Tehran's "martyrs" cemetery and Iran's Aerospace National Park, established by the IRGC to showcase military equipment including missiles, air defense systems, UAVs, and space operations technology. Social media footage from the event shows attendees posing next to Iranian missiles and drones.
In a video filmed at the Aerospace Park, Calla Walsh declared it "the greatest honor of my life to visit the Islamic Republic of Iran," claiming the country is under "genocide [and] siege by the United States" and the "Zionist entity." She praised Iran's "indigenously produced drones, missiles, and military equipment" and called for international "anti-Zionist anti-imperialist resistance." In another video from the program, Walsh references the deaths of IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists, expressing admiration by saying, "glory to all of those martyrs."
Another concerning video shows U.S. social media influencer "NaleyByNature" praising Iran's attacks on Israel, stating: "A lot of people were in applaud of Iran because someone had to do something... they just want someone to take action against Israel."
Sanctions Violations Concerns
The participation of U.S. citizens in events organized by sanctioned Iranian entities raises potential legal issues. While journalism and free speech are protected activities, the Treasury Department's sanctions on IRIB specifically target its role in human rights violations and propaganda operations. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with sanctioned entities, and the promotional nature of the attendees' content could constitute prohibited services.
National Security Implications
The event is providing Iranian state media with Western faces to legitimize their propaganda efforts. The attendees' praise for Iranian military capabilities and explicit support for Iran's attacks on Israel serve Tehran's strategic communication objectives. This is particularly concerning given Iran's role as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and its ongoing threats against U.S. allies and interests.
Influence Operations Assessment
The sophisticated nature of Iran's influence operations, combined with the willing participation of Western influencers, demonstrates Tehran's success in cultivating international supporters. The fact that these individuals are currently in Iran creating pro-Iranian narratives for social media platforms accessible to millions requires assessment of the broader influence campaign's scope and effectiveness.
Legal and Policy Framework
Under Executive Order 13846, which authorizes sanctions on persons who engage in censorship or other activities with respect to Iran, participating in or promoting sanctioned Iranian media entities could expose individuals to enforcement action. The Treasury Department has made clear that "persons that engage in certain transactions with the persons designated today may themselves be exposed to sanctions."
Additionally, the Justice Department's Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires individuals who engage in political activities on behalf of foreign governments to register and disclose their activities. The promotional content being created by event attendees may constitute unregistered foreign agent activity requiring investigation.
When Influence Becomes Infiltration
The ongoing participation of Western influencers in Iranian propaganda events represents a concerning development in Tehran's influence operations. The combination of sanctioned entities, individuals who have been under terrorism investigation, and explicit promotion of Iranian military capabilities and anti-Israel sentiment demands immediate attention from law enforcement and policymakers.
While freedom of expression and journalism must be protected, activities that potentially violate sanctions, support designated terrorist organizations, or advance the propaganda objectives of hostile foreign governments require thorough investigation and appropriate response. The Iranian regime's success in recruiting Western voices to legitimize its actions and spread its narratives represents a clear threat to U.S. national security interests that cannot be ignored.
Smell like a rat if you ask me. Unacceptable behaviour!