US intelligence officials announced on Monday that Iran is engaging in covert online influence operations to harm Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. The officials believe that Iranian leaders fear a return to power by the Republican nominee would lead to increased tensions with Washington.

According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Tehran’s current operations align with its goals before the 2020 election, when it sought to harm Trump’s candidacy. The officials noted that Iran remains focused on fueling distrust in US political institutions and increasing social discord, particularly over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Iran is using online personas and propaganda mills to spread disinformation and engage in surreptitious online campaigns reflecting a preference for who wins in November. However, US intelligence officials reiterated that Russia remains the pre-eminent threat to the election and is most sophisticated in its influence operations.

The officials also stated that Russia’s preferences haven’t changed since President Biden dropped out of the race, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top goal remains opposing candidates who would more likely pursue additional military aid for Ukraine.

The intelligence community has held two briefings with reporters this month on foreign attempts to influence the November elections.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)