On Monday, the United States government accused Iran of conducting cyber operations targeting the presidential campaigns of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. These operations are alleged to have included influence campaigns aimed at American citizens, with the purpose of aggravating political discord within the country.
In a joint statement released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), officials commented on the increasing aggressiveness of Iranian activities observed during this electoral cycle. “We have noted a notable escalation in Iranian operations as the election approaches,” the statement read.
This assertion corroborated previous claims made by the campaign of presidential candidate Donald Trump, which alleged that Iran had infiltrated one of its websites, instigating an FBI investigation. At the time, Mr. Trump suggested that Iran’s breach was limited to information that was publicly accessible.
Furthermore, the statement indicated that Iranian operations have also targeted Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, as she is expected to officially accept the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination during the upcoming convention. In response to these allegations, Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a statement describing the accusations as “baseless and without validity,” asserting that the Islamic Republic of Iran possesses neither the intention nor the motive to interfere in the United States presidential elections.
The United States statement emphasized that Iranian efforts included influence operations aimed at the American public, intending to enhance political divisions and conducting cyber operations directed at presidential campaigns.
Specifically, the intelligence community has attributed recent reported activities targeting former President Trump’s campaign to Iran. The statement detailed that Iranian operatives, utilizing social engineering and other methods, sought access to individuals with direct connections to both political campaigns.
Moreover, these activities reportedly involved theft and disclosures intended to manipulate the electoral process in the United States. However, further particulars regarding these operations were not provided in the statement.
In summary, the claim that Iran has engaged in cyber operations against both presidential campaigns signals a serious concern regarding foreign interference in American elections, compelling the intelligence community to remain vigilant during this critical period of democratic process.
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