The United States has imposed sanctions on two groups linked to Russian and Iranian efforts to disseminate disinformation aimed at manipulating American voters and undermining trust in democratic processes ahead of the upcoming elections.
On Tuesday, the US Treasury announced the sanctions, accusing the organisations of exploiting divisive issues within American society to sow discord and influence public opinion. Both groups are alleged to have used advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to generate and spread fake content online.
Targeting democracy
Bradley T. Smith, the Treasury’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, stated:
“The governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns.”
The sanctions highlight ongoing concerns over foreign interference in US elections, which has become a focal point of international security discussions in recent years.
Russian operations
One of the sanctioned entities, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, stands accused of orchestrating disinformation campaigns under the supervision of Russian military intelligence. This group reportedly created and distributed deepfake videos and operated numerous fake news websites designed to resemble legitimate media outlets.
The US Treasury also imposed sanctions on the organisation’s director, who is alleged to have collaborated closely with Russian military intelligence. The centre used its resources to craft narratives favouring Russian interests and paid American web companies to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda.
Iranian involvement
The second sanctioned entity, Iran’s Cognitive Design Production Center, operates under the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the US designates as a foreign terrorist organisation. This group has been active since at least 2023, using disinformation tactics to incite political unrest in the United States.
US officials have also accused Iran of attempting to exploit sensitive topics, such as Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, to fuel protests and deepen divisions within American society. The Iranian group has allegedly hacked the accounts of prominent US officials, including those affiliated with Donald Trump’s campaign.
Broader threat landscape
In the months leading up to the election, US intelligence agencies have warned that Russia, Iran, and China are working to undermine confidence in the American democratic system. They concluded that Russian efforts focused on supporting Donald Trump, who has often been criticised for his favourable remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin, his stance on NATO, and his approach to Ukraine.
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Conversely, Iran is believed to have opposed Trump’s candidacy due to his administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, the reimposition of sanctions, and the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Denials from Moscow and Tehran
Both Russia and Iran have denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Washington stated:
“Russia has not and does not interfere with the internal affairs of other countries.”
Attempts to obtain comments from Iranian officials were unsuccessful as messages went unanswered on Tuesday.
Addressing the challenge
These sanctions reflect the United States’ commitment to countering foreign interference in its electoral process. By targeting these organisations, the US aims to disrupt their operations and send a clear message about the consequences of meddling in democratic institutions.
The measures underscore the continued threat posed by foreign actors seeking to exploit technological advancements to influence public opinion, manipulate voters, and undermine democratic governance. The coming months are expected to test the resilience of the US electoral system as it faces unprecedented challenges from abroad.
