Inside America: How Iran’s regime built a decades-long influence network inside the United States

If anything, this article under-reports the threat of Iran's influence in the US. It does not really delve into the lobby system created here, and funded by shell corporations that have successfully evaded the sanctions.

Also, the article seems to imply that the influence system is limited to Shiite network. But the rulers of Iran, flush with cash, have built a network of mosques, Islamic centers, cultural centers and schools throughout the US. And they are not limiting their reach and message to Shiite Islam. Wherever necessary, they are happy to reach Sunnis, including Arabs, Pakis, and Africans.

By and large, the Moslem masses who exploited by US and Israel. They feel that the leaders of Moslem states are corrupt and have been bought off by the same US and Israel. So, even among the Sunnis, including Arabs, Pakis, and Africans, the Persian Shiites are now seen as heroes who stood up to the great Satan.

I've seen African Moslems and Sunni Pakis praise Persian Shiites as heroes fighting for greater Islam.

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Iran has a well-documented history of using a global network of front and shell companies to bypass U.S. sanctions, finance illicit activities, and manage its military-related procurement.

While many of these companies operate in jurisdictions with lax oversight, such as the UAE and Hong Kong, federal investigations have exposed the use of US-based shell companies to launder money and conduct transactions on behalf of the Iranian government.

Use of Shell Companies & FrontsProperty and Financial Fronts: Iranian-controlled entities, such as Bank Melli, have used networks of anonymous shell companies to purchase property in major U.S. cities, including New York City, funnelling rent payments to support Iran’s nuclear program.

Sanctions Evasion: Federal prosecutors have charged Iranians with creating over 70 front companies—often using names like “Persepolis” or “Rosco”—across the U.S., Canada, and Asia to disguise hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions.

Shipping and Logistics: The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) has been charged in New York for using shell companies to trick American banks.Influence Networks and Lobbying AllegationsWhile the shell companies primarily deal with financial sanctions evasion, accusations exist regarding a broader “lobbying” presence in Washington, D.C., aimed at normalizing U.S.-Iran relations.

National Iranian American Council (NIAC): NIAC is often described by critics as a de facto “Iran lobby” in Washington. While NIAC states it is funded by the Iranian-American community and does not receive funds from the Iranian or U.S. governments, critics and some lawmakers have urged a Department of Justice investigation to determine if it acts as an unregistered agent of the Iranian regime.

Ideological Components: Some analyses suggest that certain non-interventionist think tanks, such as the Quincy Institute, also form part of a broader network advocating for a shift in U.S. policy away from maximum pressure on Iran.

Operational Context

Asymmetric Warfare: The use of shell companies and proxies is a key component of Iran’s strategy to project influence, elude direct retaliation from the U.S., and procure technology, often using third-party intermediaries to avoid detection.

Cyber Proxies: Iranian-affiliated threat actors have also been documented using front companies and compromised systems to disrupt U.S. critical infrastructure.

Cotton, Braun, and Cruz Urge DOJ Investigation of NIAC

Iran is a much weaker threat than China. But as we can see, it can project power throughout the middle east.

And there was an ominous issue that popped up briefly, but was missed by most analysts: At one point, Iran said it would open Hormuz, but only to ships that would sell their oil or LNG in Yuan denominated contracts.

This is very serious. It could result in a $1 trillion per year Yuan-denominated exchange in oil and LNG, with participation from Europe, all of middle east, and many far east nations.

And once these nations start trading oil and LNG in Yuan, and with China being a major global exporter of consumer goods, technology, and heavy industry, it is really easy for many of these nations to simply switch to Yuan for their trade with China.

This is very serious.

One of China’s long term strategic goals is to de-throne the dollar as the world’s reserve currency. By natural market forces, this is not easily achievable. Our currency and financial markets are still the best in the world. But if Iran is allowed to use force to distort the middle east oil and LNG market and cause the futures and spot contracts to be traded in Yuan, that is a huge step towards China’s goal.

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