US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian and Russian Entities Accused of Interfering in 2024 Presidential Election

Washington D.C. - The United States Treasury Department announced on Tuesday that it has imposed new sanctions on entities linked to Iran and Russia for attempting to influence the US 2024 presidential election through disinformation campaigns.

According to a statement issued by the Treasury, the sanctions target two key organizations: Cognitive Design Production Center, a subsidiary of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Centre for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE), an affiliate of Russia's military intelligence agency.

The Treasury alleges that both entities used artificial intelligence tools to spread false information and create disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing the US electorate. Specifically, it is accused of using AI-generated content to "quickly create disinformation" and disseminate it across a network of fake news websites.

The sanctions against CGE are not new, as the Treasury had previously designated the group in 2015. However, Tuesday's announcement marks an escalation in the pressure on Russia and Iran over their actions, which were seen as an attempt to "stroke socio-political tensions" and undermine US democracy.

US Treasury official Bradley Smith stated that the sanctioned entities had "targeted our election processes and institutions" with disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing the American people. The United States remains committed to defending its democratic process and will continue to be vigilant against those who seek to undermine it, according to Smith.

The sanctions are expected to have limited economic impact on both Iran and Russia, given that they primarily target minor entities. However, they represent another step in deteriorating relations between the US and these nations over issues related to election interference and disinformation campaigns.