The Biden administration announced new sanctions on Russian and Iranian entities who were attempting to interfere in the 2024 election, with the Treasury Department targeting a subsidiary of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise. The Treasury Department’s acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, Bradley Smith, stated that both governments have targeted the U.S. election processes and institutions with disinformation campaigns to divide the American people. Meanwhile, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized that these sanctions are aimed at disrupting Iran and Russia’s efforts to undermine confidence in democratic institutions, particularly during the 2024 U.S. general election.
The sanctions were imposed based on evidence that the Russian entities used generative AI tools to create disinformation and manipulated videos for their benefit, while Iran used social engineering tactics to access individuals with direct access to presidential campaigns. These actions by Russia and Iran were deemed to have stoked sociopolitical tensions and undermined U.S. election institutions. The designation of these entities means that any property and interests they have in the U.S. or under U.S. control are now blocked and must be reported. These sanctions come as President Biden is wrapping up his agenda shortly before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, signaling the administration’s commitment to protecting its election processes.
Before the 2024 election, the Biden administration had warned of multiple countries, including Russia, Iran, and China, attempting to influence U.S. elections. CBS News had previously reported on U.S. intelligence detecting an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, which led to a 2020 airstrike ordered by Trump that killed top Iranian commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Moscow has a history of using covert foreign influence campaigns and cyber activities to target U.S. national security interests, particularly after its invasion of Ukraine. These actions highlight the ongoing efforts by hostile foreign entities to interfere in U.S. affairs.
The imposition of new sanctions on Russian and Iranian entities underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to combating foreign interference in U.S. elections and protecting democratic institutions. The targeting of specific entities involved in disinformation campaigns and attempts to undermine confidence in the electoral process sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated. By blocking all property and interests of the affected targets in the U.S. or under U.S. control, the administration aims to hold these actors accountable for their actions and prevent further interference in future elections.
The use of generative AI tools by the Russian entities and social engineering tactics by Iran demonstrate the sophisticated methods employed by these countries to manipulate information and influence U.S. elections. The manipulation of videos for propaganda purposes and the targeting of individuals with access to presidential campaigns highlight the extent of the threat posed by these foreign actors. The U.S. government’s efforts to disrupt these activities and impose consequences on those responsible are essential for safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that foreign interference does not undermine American democracy.
Overall, the announcement of new sanctions on Russian and Iranian entities for their attempts to interfere in the 2024 election underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. in protecting its democratic institutions from hostile foreign actors. The Biden administration’s response to these threats, including the imposition of targeted sanctions and enhanced monitoring of disinformation campaigns, reflects a commitment to safeguarding the electoral process and preserving the integrity of U.S. elections. As the U.S. continues to confront foreign interference, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in countering these threats to ensure that the American people’s trust in their democratic institutions is upheld.
