US Targets Iran and Russia with Sanctions Over Election Interference
The United States announced new sanctions on Tuesday, accusing organizations in Iran and Russia of trying to disrupt the 2024 presidential election through disinformation campaigns. These actions aimed to confuse voters and create division among Americans.
The US Treasury Department said the sanctions target two groups: one linked to Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) and another based in Russia with ties to the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency. Both groups allegedly worked to destabilize the US election process.
"The Governments of Iran and Russia have attacked our election systems and tried to divide Americans with false information," said Bradley Smith, a senior Treasury official. "We will stay alert to protect our democracy."
Iran and Russia’s Actions
Iran's Cognitive Design Production Center has reportedly been running operations since 2023 to stir conflict in the US, working for the IRGC. In Russia, the Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) is accused of spreading fake information about election candidates, making deepfake videos, and running fake news websites using AI.
One of CGE's actions involved spreading false claims about a vice presidential candidate in 2024, though the Treasury did not name the individual. The GRU allegedly funded CGE’s operations, including a network of 100 fake news websites.
The sanctions also name CGE’s director and some US-based individuals believed to have helped these operations.
Responses from Iran and Russia
Russia has denied the accusations, with its embassy in Washington calling them "false and malicious." Iran has not yet responded to the allegations.
In October, a US intelligence report warned about possible election interference from Russia, Iran, and China, noting the use of AI to create misleading information.
The sanctions are part of the US’s efforts to protect its election system and counter foreign influence.