WASHINGTON — The United States has imposed sanctions on two groups connected to Iranian and Russian efforts to influence American voters with disinformation ahead of the upcoming election.
The Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Tuesday, accusing the organizations of attempting to exploit divisions among Americans before November’s vote. U.S. intelligence has previously charged both governments with deploying disinformation campaigns, including fake videos, fabricated news stories, and social media posts, to manipulate voters and erode trust in U.S. democratic processes.
“Iran and Russia have deliberately targeted our electoral systems and institutions, aiming to divide Americans through coordinated disinformation,” said Bradley T. Smith, acting undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, in a statement.
One sanctioned group, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, is accused of financing and spreading disinformation about U.S. candidates. Officials allege the group utilized artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos and operated fake news websites designed to appear legitimate, even contracting with American web companies to produce pro-Russian content. The sanctions also target the group’s director, who allegedly collaborated with Russian military intelligence involved in cyberattacks against the West.
The second group, Iran’s Cognitive Design Production Center, is affiliated with the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. U.S. officials claim the center has worked since 2023 to incite political tensions within the U.S., including encouraging protests related to Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Additionally, Iranian operatives have been accused of hacking accounts belonging to top U.S. officials, including members of Donald Trump’s campaign.
In the lead-up to the election, U.S. intelligence agencies reported that Russia, Iran, and China all sought to undermine faith in U.S. democracy. While Russia was said to support the eventual victor, Trump, Iran allegedly sought to oppose his candidacy due to policies such as the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani during Trump’s first term.
Representatives from both Russia and Iran have denied any attempts to interfere with the 2024 election. Requests for comment from officials of both countries went unanswered as of Tuesday.
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