The U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions on groups in Russia and Iran accused of orchestrating sophisticated disinformation campaigns targeting American voters.
Why It Matters
The sanctions come after U.S. officials have previously warned in the months ahead of the 2024 presidential elections of broader interference efforts from Iran, Russia and China, each aiming to erode confidence in U.S. democratic systems.
While Russia’s actions were reportedly aimed at supporting President-elect Donald Trump, whose policies align with Moscow’s interests, Iran allegedly sought to thwart his reelection following a history of tense relations, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the death of General Qassem Soleimani, an Iranian officer killed by an American drone strike in Iraq.
What To Know
Treasury officials on Tuesday announced the sanctions as a vital step in safeguarding electoral integrity.
The sanctioned groups—the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise and Iran’s Cognitive Design Production Center—are accused of employing artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake videos and news stories, U.S. intelligence officials revealed. These campaigns sought to amplify societal divisions and manipulate voter sentiment in the lead-up to November’s election.
The seal of the on the U.S. Treasury Department building is seen in Washington, D.C., on January 19, 2023. The U.S. Treasury has announced sanctions on groups in Russia and Iran accused of orchestrating disinformation campaigns targeting American voters.
SAUL LOEB / AFP/Getty Images
Both nations have denied involvement in election interference, dismissing the allegations as baseless.
The Center for Geopolitical Expertise, described as a hub for disinformation, allegedly partnered with Russian military intelligence to launch cyberattacks and create counterfeit content.
According to officials, AI-generated deepfake videos maligning U.S. candidates were distributed through seemingly credible websites and even via U.S.-based platforms hired to disseminate pro-Russian narratives.
Iran’s Cognitive Design Production Center, linked to the Revolutionary Guard—an organization designated by the U.S. as a terrorist group—was reportedly active since 2023 in fueling political tensions. Authorities allege it played a role in inciting U.S. protests related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and conducted cyber intrusions into accounts belonging to senior officials from Trump’s campaign.
What People Are Saying
Bradley T. Smith, the U.S. Treasury’s acting undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said in a statement: “The governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns.”
According to The Associated Press, messages left with officials from both countries were not immediately returned Tuesday.
What Happens Next
The latest U.S. sanctions bring sweeping measures against the Russian and Iran groups, effectively freezing their assets and prohibiting a wide range of interactions with them.
Under these measures, any property or interests owned by the sanctioned individuals that fall under U.S. jurisdiction—or are controlled by U.S. persons—are immediately blocked. Such assets must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
