Iran seeks to undermine Trump ahead of election, officials signal
SUMMARY
Iran is allegedly attempting to undermine Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign by fostering societal discord in the U.S., according to U.S. intelligence officials. Tehran’s efforts mirror actions taken in the 2020 election, driven by a desire to avoid increased tensions with Washington. While Iran's specific activities were not detailed, it is using a network of online personas and propaganda to spread disinformation. Russia also remains a significant threat, focusing on opposing candidates who support aid to Ukraine. No foreign hacking or tampering with election infrastructure has been detected, but there have been efforts to scan such systems. China, on the other hand, is likely refraining from election interference to avoid further damaging its relationship with the U.S., following a pledge by President Xi Jinping to avoid meddling.