Russia, China and Iran could stoke post-election violence, US intelligence says

Russia, China and Iran are intent on fanning divisive narratives to divide Americans ahead of the November 5 US elections and may consider fomenting violence after voters go to the polls, US intelligence officials said on Tuesday.

The officials, briefing reporters on US election security, said foreign actors could consider physical threats and violence, and are highly likely to conduct disinformation operations to create uncertainty and undermine the election process.

“Foreign actors, particularly Russia, Iran and China, remain intent on fanning divisive narratives to divide Americans and undermine Americans’ confidence in the US democratic system.

“These activities are consistent with what these actors perceive to be in their interests, even as their tactics continue to evolve,” said one official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

That official said influence actors, “particularly from Russia, Iran and China”, have learned from previous US elections and are better prepared to exploit opportunities to stoke unrest.

Those actors could draw on the same type of tools they have been using in the pre-election period – especially information and cyber operations – and may also consider physical threats and violence, the ODNI official added.