LONDON: US officials have suggested that Iran is running an “anti-Trump campaign” aimed at undermining the chances of re-election for the Republican candidate.
The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that during a briefing organized by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, officials hinted at Iran’s attempts to stoke societal discord in the US and undermine Donald Trump’s bid to regain the White House.
Although they “alluded to but stopped short of directly stating Tehran’s opposition to Trump,” the representatives strongly suggested that Iran “is reprising the stance it took in 2020” to “avoid an outcome they perceive would increase tensions with the United States.”
One official, who remained anonymous according to intelligence agency protocols, said that Tehran is using its “vast web of online personas and propaganda mills” to spread disinformation and has notably been active in exacerbating tensions with Israel over the Gaza conflict.
The official added that while Iran’s efforts appear directed at one candidate, it did not actively promote the alternative candidate.
During his presidency, Trump severed relations with Tehran, scrapping the Washington-led Iran nuclear agreement and ordering the drone strike that killed the Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani, in 2020.
Iran issued an arrest warrant for Trump, and earlier in July, US secret services foiled an attempt by Tehran to assassinate the former president, in a plot unrelated to the Butler shooting.
During the briefing, officials added that Iran is not the only actor seeking to influence the upcoming election.
Russia, long active in sowing discord within American society, appears to be running a campaign in support of Trump, aiming to influence a Republican president who may be less supportive of Ukraine.
China, on the other hand, probably does not plan to interfere as it seeks to maintain a more “cautious” approach, officials said.
