A progressive activist with ties to prominent Democratic politicians, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Ed Markey, appeared on Iranian state television praising the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Calla Walsh described Khamenei, Iran's former Supreme Leader, as the "greatest anti-imperialist leader" of her lifetime.

Walsh, who has identified herself as a U.S. journalist based in Lebanon, made the remarks during an interview with Press TV, Iran's state-run media outlet, which aired coverage of Khamenei's funeral. According to Boston Magazine, Walsh previously volunteered for Warren’s 2020 presidential campaign and played a role in organizing youth support for Ed Markey, helping to secure his 2020 primary victory.

In the interview, Walsh stated, "He was a leader to all people in the world who struggle against imperialism, against arrogance, against Zionism, against genocide. To me, he was the greatest anti-imperialist leader to live during my lifetime." The interview featured an Iranian flag in the background, and Press TV's coverage was under the headline, "Ayatollah Khamenei’s message of resistance was truly universal: American activist."

Walsh's political activities have been documented across several progressive campaigns in Massachusetts. She also served as communications director for a left-wing state House candidate and was involved with Act on Mass. InfluenceWatch reported Walsh's roles as a regional organizer for Act on Mass and digital director for Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia’s re-election campaign in 2021. She was also noted as part of the "Markeyverse" network, canvassing for then-Boston mayoral candidate Michelle Wu.

Previous reports have placed Walsh at anti-government protests. In January, Fox News Digital reported that Walsh shared video from Minneapolis after a fatal Border Patrol shooting, stating that protesters had cornered "ICE Gestapo." The same report mentioned Walsh had previously been filmed in Iran chanting "Death to America! Death to Israel!"

Walsh also commented on the geopolitical climate, stating, "It’s still fair to say that the U.S. has been more humiliated than it has ever been before in its history and has signed away huge concessions to Iran."