Operating discreetly from the quiet suburbs of Southern California, a key propagandist for the Iranian regime has been spreading his influence while reportedly receiving a substantial monthly income from Tehran. This intriguing situation raises questions about the reach of foreign influence within the United States.
Meysam Zamanabadi, known for his close advisory role to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has resided in Glendora, California, for nearly a decade. His connections to the Iranian regime are long-standing, tracing back to Ghalibaf’s tenure as Tehran’s mayor and his leadership in law enforcement. Despite his American residence, Zamanabadi has continued his involvement in Iranian politics and propaganda.
Behind the scenes, Zamanabadi manages Ghalibaf’s English-language social media presence, crafting anti-American content laced with memes and slick visuals. His work is strategically tailored to appeal to a U.S. audience, particularly targeting those who might be easily swayed by such content.
This situation highlights a troubling phenomenon: the ease with which American politicians, particularly Democrats, might unwittingly fall prey to Iranian propaganda. The polished nature of these operations, emanating from within the U.S. and presented in a language and style familiar to American audiences, underscores this vulnerability.
According to Iranwire’s analysis, Zamanabadi plays a crucial role as a “pivotal advisor” to Ghalibaf. His efforts are well-compensated, with reports indicating he receives a substantial $11,000 monthly from Iranian sources, underscoring the significant investment in extending Iranian influence through digital means.
Financial audits conducted by the Tehran City Council in 2017 revealed that even after moving to America, he received a monthly sum of 40 million Tomans (equivalent to approximately $11,000 at the time). This was paid in foreign currency through an exchange office in Ferdowsi Square via an individual named Hesamuddin Sahami, the then technical director of Tamashagar magazine.
WAR: Iran’s English-language propaganda operation is headquartered in Glendale, California. Meysam Zamanabadi has managed Iranian Parliament social media for years from US soil. He advises the Parliament Speaker directly. The Islamic Republic has been running its wartime… pic.twitter.com/qd7MYiqkGn
— @amuse (@amuse) April 13, 2026
