US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian, Russian Entities for Spreading Misinformation

The United States has imposed sanctions on two Iranian and Russian entities, accusing them of spreading misinformation ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.

The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions, stating that the targeted entities attempted to sow discord among American voters through fake videos, news, and social media posts. According to officials, these efforts were aimed at influencing voter sentiment and undermining the election process.

The Moscow-based “Center for Geopolitical Expertise” is accused of disseminating false information about American candidates. The organization allegedly used advanced technologies, including deepfake videos, to mislead the public.
The sanctions also extend to the organization’s director, who reportedly collaborated with Russian military intelligence agents responsible for cyberattacks and sabotage against Western nations.

The Iranian “Cognitive Design Production Center,” a subsidiary of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was also targeted. The US considers the IRGC a foreign terrorist organization.
This entity is accused of escalating political tensions in the US since 2023, including attempts to amplify protests against the US government’s stance on the Gaza conflict. It is also alleged to have conducted hacking operations targeting senior members of Donald Trump’s campaign and other high-ranking officials.

The US Treasury Department emphasized that these sanctions serve as a warning against attempts to undermine American democracy and election integrity. Officials underscored the importance of safeguarding the electoral process from foreign interference.

Both Iran and Russia have rejected the US accusations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated.