Should Ariane Tabatabai be removed from the DoD?

In September 2023, a large cache of Iranian government correspondence and emails reported for the first time by Semafor and Iran International connected Ariane with the Iran Experts Initiative, an effort initiated by senior Iranian Foreign Ministry officials to bolster Tehran's image and positions on global security issues, particularly its nuclear program. She regularly met with high ranking Iranian officials and often asked for their guidance in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Iran. These meetings even included vows of allegiance to the Iranian government.[11][12][13] Iran International claimed that its report was a revelation and a surprise to the Pentagon.[14]

In one of the leaked emails, Tabatabai wrote to her contact at the Iranian foreign ministry and asked his advice on whether to work with officials in Saudi Arabia and attend a meeting in Israel. Her contact told Tabatabai to look into Saudi Arabia and avoid Israel. [15]

These actions indicate a high level security risk which should result in the revocation of her security clearance and bar her from work at the DoD. However; there may be an undisclosed and useful purpose for these meetings and relationships.