The Justice Department is set to press criminal charges over an alleged Iranian hack targeting the campaign of former President Trump, according to media reports.
It remains unclear who will face charges. The charges stem from an investigation into a breach linked to an Iranian effort to sway the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
These charges are part of broader efforts to counteract foreign influence aimed at affecting voters in the 2024 election.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department’s top national security official, indicated in a Thursday speech in New York that Iran is intensifying its efforts to influence this year’s election, viewing it as highly significant for Iran’s national security. As the election nears, Iranian activities are becoming increasingly bold.
The Trump campaign, DOJ, and the Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations have been approached for comments. The Washington Post initially reported on the pending charges.
The Justice Department has also cautioned about interference from nations like Russia and China in the presidential race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, involving tactics such as hacking and social media manipulation.
In August, the Trump campaign reported that Iranians had stolen sensitive documents through hacking.
The FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency attributed the hack, along with an attempted breach of the Biden-Harris campaign, to Iran.
A joint statement from these agencies expressed confidence that Iran has used social engineering and other methods to access individuals with direct links to the presidential campaigns of both political parties. These actions, including thefts and disclosures, aim to influence the U.S. election process. Such tactics are not new, with Iran and Russia employing them in both U.S. and international elections.
The statement did not specify whether Iran favours any particular candidate. However, Trump has been a target for Tehran since he ordered a 2020 strike that killed Iranian Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Forces.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP sources: Justice Department, FBI preparing criminal charges in connection with an Iranian hack that targeted Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, with details still unclear on when the charges will be announced or whom they will target.(read more)
- The Orlando Sentinel reported that the US Justice Department is preparing criminal charges related to an Iranian hack targeting Trump’s campaign, with AP sources confirming the development.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the Justice Department preparing to do?
File criminal charges in an alleged Iranian hack of Trump’s campaign.
Who is suspected of hacking Trump’s campaign?
Iranian hackers are suspected of the intrusion.
Why is Iran allegedly trying to influence the U.S. election?
Iran perceives the election as crucial for its national security interests.
What agencies blamed Iran for the hack?
The FBI, Director of National Intelligence, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Has Iran targeted any other campaigns besides Trump’s?
Yes, they also attempted to breach the Biden-Harris campaign.
