Despite allegations of connections to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Pentagon official Ariane Tabatabai has recently been promoted. Tabatabai, formerly Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, has now been elevated to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and Training, as reported by Politico. This promotion comes amidst an FBI-led investigation into leaked intelligence regarding Israel’s plans to retaliate against Iran.
A Central Figure in the Leak Investigation
Tabatabai has been identified as a central figure in the leak investigation by Sky News Arabia. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that she is not a subject of interest, and the FBI is leading the probe. The timing of the leak has raised concerns as Israel prepares for potential action against Iran, with Israeli officials calling the breach “extremely serious.”
Despite the controversy, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reaffirmed the Pentagon’s commitment to safeguarding intelligence shared with allies. The situation remains ongoing as investigations continue.
Contributions to this report were made by HANNAH SARISOHN and REUTERS.