The United States is bracing for heightened foreign interference in the upcoming November election, with a new intelligence report revealing that Iran will continue its assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump, regardless of the election results. The report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), highlights the persistent threat posed by Tehran, emphasizing that their efforts to target Trump and other former U.S. officials will likely remain active even after voting concludes.
The report echoes concerns expressed earlier by Trump’s campaign, which reported receiving warnings from intelligence officials about “real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him.” This threat stems from the US’s 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, leading to retaliatory measures by Tehran. Trump and other high-ranking officials involved in the strike have been the target of death threats from Iran, further fueling concerns about the ongoing security risk.
Beyond assassination attempts, the report details how foreign actors are actively seeking to manipulate the election process in ways that benefit their preferred candidates. Russia, for instance, is believed to be backing Trump and will continue its efforts to discredit Vice President Kamala Harris, the report indicates. In contrast, Iran is expected to prioritize efforts to prevent Trump’s re-election, favoring Harris.
The intelligence report paints a concerning picture of coordinated efforts by Russia, Iran, and China to exploit the vulnerabilities of the US election system. These nations have honed their tactics based on lessons learned from the 2020 election, posing a greater threat than ever before. They are expected to engage in a multi-pronged approach, employing information operations, cyber threats, and even physical threats of violence, with the goal of undermining confidence in the election process.
While acknowledging that attempts to directly manipulate vote counts are less likely, given the secure nature of voting machines and the presence of paper trails, the intelligence community warns of foreign adversaries targeting the post-election process. The extended vote counting period in 2020 has provided them with valuable insights, enabling them to more effectively disrupt the process.
Security measures around Trump have been significantly enhanced, with substantial funding allocated to protect him and other high-profile individuals. In addition to bolstering Trump’s security, the US government has also implemented robust measures to protect former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former head of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, both of whom have also been targeted by Iran.
The report underscores the critical need for vigilance and robust security measures as the US navigates a complex political landscape, threatened by foreign adversaries seeking to undermine its democratic processes. The US intelligence community is actively monitoring these threats, and ongoing efforts are being made to mitigate the risks posed by foreign actors.