U.S. intelligence officials have reported ongoing efforts by Iran and Russia to influence the 2024 presidential election. According to a briefing by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Iran is using covert social media activities and influence operations to undercut the candidacy of former President Donald Trump. The ODNI stated that Tehran’s objective is likely to avoid an election outcome that would heighten tensions between Iran and the United States.
These influence operations include the use of online personas and propaganda mills to spread disinformation. The Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations has denied these allegations, asserting that Iran does not engage in activities intended to influence the U.S. election and labeling the accusations as psychological operations designed to artificially boost election campaigns. Iran has emphasized its commitment to bringing Trump to justice through legal means, following his order to assassinate General Qasem Soleimani.
In addition to Iran, Russia has also been identified as a significant threat to the 2024 election. U.S. intelligence officials noted that Russia is employing sophisticated tactics, including the use of AI-generated content, to influence the election and public opinion. Russia’s efforts are primarily aimed at the Democratic Party, with the goal of diminishing U.S. support for Ukraine and eroding trust in U.S. democratic institutions.
These developments come after an assassination attempt on former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. While there is no indication that the would-be assassin was connected to Iranian plots, U.S. authorities have increased security around Trump in response to ongoing threats.
The ODNI’s assessment also mentions that China is not currently planning to influence the outcome of the U.S. presidential election but is monitoring for any potential down-ballot influence activities by China-linked actors.
U.S. Intelligence Perspective:
Details:
Iran is attempting to influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election using covert social media operations
Iran prefers an election outcome that would reduce tensions with the U.S
Iran’s influence operations include spreading disinformation and using online personas to meddle in the election
Rationale:
To avoid increased tensions with the U.S:
Iran’s influence operations have been ongoing since the 2020 election, targeting former President Trump
The ODNI has observed no change in Iran’s preference since 2020
Iran’s Perspective:
Details:
Denies allegations of election interference:
Claims accusations are psychological operations to boost election campaigns
Iran views Trump as a criminal due to the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani
Rationale:
Iran aims to bring Trump to justice through legal means, not through covert operations
Iran’s statements emphasize legal and diplomatic avenues rather than interference
Russia’s Perspective:
Details:
Russia continues to influence U.S. elections, targeting the Democratic Party
Uses sophisticated tactics, including AI-generated content, to affect public opinion and election outcomes
Rationale:
Seeks to diminish U.S. support for Ukraine and erode trust in U.S. democratic institutions
Aims to undermine confidence in the election process.
Fox Broadcasting Company:
Iran trying to sabotage Trump’s presidential campaign: US intelligence
Cable News Network:
Iran using covert influence campaign to undermine Trump candidacy, US intelligence says