The United States has introduced sanctions against organizations linked to Russian and Iranian efforts to manipulate American voters through disinformation campaigns ahead of the upcoming election.
On Tuesday, the Treasury Department announced the measures, stating that these groups aimed to exploit divisions within the U.S. electorate through fabricated narratives and misleading content. Intelligence agencies have previously identified Russia and Iran as key players in spreading false information, including doctored videos, fabricated news stories, and deceptive social media posts, all intended to undermine public confidence in U.S. democratic processes.
“Iran and Russia have deliberately targeted our electoral systems and sown discord among Americans through coordinated disinformation strategies,” said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the Treasury Department.
Russian Group Implicated in Sophisticated Operations
The Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise has been identified as a key actor in these efforts. Officials allege the organization managed operations involving artificial intelligence to generate deepfake videos maligning American political candidates. These actions were supported by fake news websites designed to mimic credible sources and financial arrangements with U.S.-based web services to amplify pro-Russian narratives.
The sanctions also extend to the group’s director, accused of collaborating with Russian military intelligence to execute cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns targeting Western institutions.
Iranian Entity Engaged in Subversive Activities
The Cognitive Design Production Center, an affiliate of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard—a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.—was also sanctioned. This organization has reportedly been active since 2023, working to fuel political unrest within the United States.
According to U.S. intelligence, Iran’s government has encouraged domestic protests tied to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Additionally, Iranian operatives have been linked to cyber intrusions targeting high-profile U.S. officials, including individuals associated with former President Donald Trump’s campaign. Intelligence reports indicate that Iran sought to counter Trump’s reelection bid due to his administration’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, reinstatement of sanctions, and the targeted killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Broader Disinformation Threats
In the lead-up to the election, U.S. intelligence assessments have highlighted efforts by Russia, Iran, and China to erode trust in American democracy. While Russia’s strategies reportedly aimed to bolster the reelection of Trump, Iran’s actions were directed at undermining his campaign. These findings underscore the broader geopolitical interests driving foreign interference.
Both Russia and Iran have denied any involvement in election interference. A representative from Russia’s embassy in Washington stated, “Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other nations.” Iranian officials have not issued a formal response to the sanctions as of Tuesday.
The U.S. government’s latest measures signal a firm stance against external threats to its electoral integrity, aiming to safeguard democratic values amid rising geopolitical tensions.
