US sanctions Russia and Iran over accusations of election interference
The United States has announced fresh sanctions against Russia and Iran, accusing both nations of attempting to interfere in the 2024 US elections.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the US Department of the Treasury claimed that entities linked to Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU) and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were involved in efforts to inflame domestic divisions.
'Iranian and Russian governments have targeted our electoral systems and institutions, aiming to sow discord among Americans through disinformation campaigns,' stated Bradley Smith, the Treasury’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. 'The United States will continue to stand guard against adversaries seeking to undermine our democratic process.'
The sanctions follow the November election, where President-elect Donald Trump secured a victory. His Republican Party also gained control of both chambers of Congress—the House of Representatives and the Senate.
According to the Treasury, the Moscow-based Centre for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) supported the dissemination of misleading content, including unsubstantiated allegations about a vice-presidential candidate during the 2024 race. Further details were not disclosed.
The sanctions will freeze any US-based assets held by the targeted groups and individuals and prohibit American entities from engaging in business with them.
Officials from Iran and Russia have yet to comment on the accusations but have consistently denied similar allegations in the past.
.png "Advertisement")
