U.S. Sanctions Target Russia and Iran for 2024 Election Interference

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russian and Iranian entities for attempting to interfere in the 2024 elections. Key targets include an Iranian subsidiary and a Russian organization linked to disinformation campaigns. The sanctions are part of broader efforts to protect democratic institutions and counter foreign influence in U.S. elections, particularly from nations suspected of seeking to undermine electoral integrity.

The Biden administration announced the imposition of new sanctions on both Russian and Iranian entities due to their alleged attempts to interfere in the 2024 U.S. elections. The sanctions specifically target a subsidiary of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran, known as the Cognitive Design Production Center, as well as the Center for Geopolitical Expertise and its director, Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin, associated with Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate. According to Bradley Smith from the Treasury Department, these nations have engaged in disinformation campaigns aimed at disrupting U.S. electoral processes and sowing division among the American populace.

This latest measure by the U.S. government follows ongoing concerns regarding foreign interference in American elections, notably from countries such as Russia and Iran. Over the years, intelligence agencies have revealed multiple plots to manipulate democratic institutions. The U.S. has previously issued warnings about the activities of these nations to undermine public confidence in election outcomes, indicating a continuous threat to national security, particularly in the context of elections.

The implementation of these sanctions reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process against foreign interference. By targeting specific entities responsible for disinformation campaigns, the U.S. aims to protect democratic institutions and maintain public confidence in the electoral system. The developments underscore the ongoing vulnerabilities within U.S. national security against manipulation by external state actors, particularly as elections approach.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com