U.S. intelligence officials believe Iran is meddling in the 2024 election. IMAGE:Getty Images
In Summary:
1) The FBI disclosed new information about an assassination attempt on Trump.
2) U.S. intelligence claims Iran is trying to influence the presidential election.
3) Iran and Russia are both accused of meddling in the 2024 election.
On Monday, the FBI shared new details regarding their investigation into an assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
U.S. intelligence officials believe that Iran is attempting to sabotage Trump’s presidential campaign through online influence operations, as stated in a press briefing.
An official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) reported that U.S. spy agencies have observed Tehran’s efforts to influence the presidential election, likely to avoid increased tensions with the U.S.
Although the official did not directly accuse Iran of undermining Trump, they noted that there has been no change in Iran’s preferences since 2020, implying ongoing targeting of Trump.
The intelligence official also highlighted Iran’s use of extensive online personas and propaganda mills to spread disinformation through various online campaigns.
However, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations denied any election interference, dismissing the accusations as psychological operations meant to bolster election campaigns artificially.
Earlier in July, Iran faced allegations of plotting to kill Trump after a gunman shot him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
The Iranian mission called these claims “unsubstantiated and malicious,” stating that Trump should be prosecuted legally for ordering the assassination of General Soleimani.
Besides Iran, Russia is also accused of meddling in the 2024 presidential election.
On July 10, ODNI officials identified Russia as the “preeminent threat” to the election, noting the country’s comprehensive approach to influence the presidential race, Congress, and public opinion.
The Kremlin’s efforts typically target the Democratic Party to weaken U.S. support for Ukraine and erode trust in democratic institutions.
The ODNI briefing also mentioned that Russia is using artificial intelligence to mimic American Southern and Midwestern accents on social media.
Foreign adversaries are experimenting with generative AI tools to create authentic-looking content for social media, aiming at specific audiences in the U.S.