US announces sanctions on Russian, Iranian entities over alleged election interference

The Biden administration on Tuesday announced sanctions on Russian and Iranian organizations over alleged attempts to interfere in the most recent presidential election.

The sanctions specifically address the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Cognitive Design Production Center and an affiliate group of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate, the Center for Geopolitical Expertise.

“The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns,” acting under secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said in a statement, according to The Hill. 

“These actors sought to stoke sociopolitical tensions and undermine our election institutions during the 2024 U.S. general election,” the State Department added.

Russia was reportedly behind false videos that circulated during the election, such as one accusing Vice President Kamala Harris of being involved in a hit and run. 

Smith added that the U.S. would remain "vigilant" against threats to democracy.