A report by investigative journalist Seymour Hersch claims Washington has
been funding covert operations to destabilize the Iranian government, with full approval from the US Senate.
Writing in the New Yorker magazine, Hersch said the tempo of operations against Iran has escalated in recent months, with cross border raids by US Special Forces, and the funding of indigenous armed oppositon groups such as the Jundallah, which operates in the restive southeastern border region with Pakistan.
Hersch claims Senate and Congressional leaders "quietly" agreed to $400 million (200 million) in funding for clandestine operations against Iran aimed at regime change and disrupting the country’s nuclear energy program.
Another group allegedly benefitting from the fund is the Iraq-based opposition Mujahedeen Khalq Organization (MKO) which fought against Tehran in the Iraq-Iran War from 1980-88.
The group was attacked by US forces during the 2003 invasion, but now reportedly benefits from American support.
The Iraqi government has ordered the MKO to lay down its weapons and leave the country.