Iran is using covert social media activities and related influence operations to try to undermine former President Donald Trump’s candidacy, a US intelligence official said on Monday.
U.S. intelligence “observed Tehran working to influence the presidential election, likely because Iranian leaders want to avoid an outcome that they perceive would increase tensions with the United States,” the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, or ODNI, said in a statement. communicated.
The recent Iranian activity came in the form of “secret social media accounts and related activities,” the ODNI official highlighted at a press conference when the CNN asked for examples.
Iran’s preference for a candidate to win the US presidential race has not changed since 2020, the ODNI agent said.
In the 2020 election, Iran “conducted a multi-pronged covert influence campaign intended to undermine former President Trump’s reelection prospects,” according to a U.S. intelligence report.
Russia’s preferences have also not changed since 2020, when Moscow conducted a series of influence operations in support of Trump and with the aim of demoralizing Joe Biden, according to an ODNI official.
Iran denies any such activity
“Iran does not engage in any objectives or activities intended to influence the US election,” the Iranian Permanent Mission to the UN said in a statement to CNN.
“A significant portion of these accusations are characterized by psychological operations designed to artificially liven up election campaigns,” they commented.
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