Iran's Ongoing Election Interference Targets Biden, Trump Campaigns

U.S. intelligence agencies have uncovered an Iranian cyber campaign that seeks to influence the 2024 presidential election by distributing stolen material from both the Biden and Trump campaigns.

In an alarming disclosure, U.S. intelligence agencies have revealed an ongoing Iranian cyber campaign aimed at disrupting the upcoming presidential election by targeting the campaigns of President Biden and former President Trump.

Former President Trump has accused the Biden administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) of violating its own policy on election interference by indicting him on charges related to the January 6th Capitol riot. Constitutional law attorney Jonathan Turley expressed concerns about this indictment, arguing that it could set a dangerous precedent.

Iran's Ongoing Election Interference Targets Biden, Trump Campaigns

According to a joint statement issued by the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Iranian cyber actors have been sending unsolicited emails to individuals affiliated with President Biden's campaign, containing stolen material from former President Trump's campaign.

The agencies stated that the Iranian actors are attempting to "sow discord and shape the outcome of U.S. elections." They noted that there is no evidence of recipients responding to these messages.

Iran's Ongoing Election Interference Targets Biden, Trump Campaigns

Intelligence officials have also alleged that Iran has continued its election interference since June by sending stolen Trump campaign material to U.S. media organizations. This activity aims to "stoke discord and undermine confidence in our electoral process."

The FBI, responsible for responding to this threat, has contacted the victims and is conducting an investigation to identify and disrupt the responsible parties. The agencies stressed that foreign actors are amplifying their election influence activities in the lead-up to the November election.

Iran's Ongoing Election Interference Targets Biden, Trump Campaigns

Iran is not the only foreign adversary suspected of meddling in the 2024 election. On July 10, ODNI officials declared Russia the "preeminent threat" to the election. This assessment aligns with previous warnings about Russia's long-standing efforts to interfere in U.S. elections.

Intelligence agencies have repeatedly emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the elections against foreign influence. The ongoing Iranian cyber campaign highlights the need for continuous vigilance and robust countermeasures to protect the democratic process.

The U.S. government and intelligence community are urging the public to be aware of these foreign influence activities and to report any suspicious or potentially malicious communications to the appropriate authorities. By working together, we can mitigate these threats and ensure the integrity of our elections.