Foreign countries might undermine upcoming US elections, warn intelligence officials

ISTANBUL

US intelligence officials warned on Tuesday that several countries, including Russia and China, will attempt to undermine the upcoming Nov. 5 elections, according to local media.

"Foreign actors probably will use tactics similar to those that they are using today to undermine trust in the integrity of the election and election processes, as well as to further exacerbate divisions among Americans," NBC News reported, citing a senior intelligence official in a virtual press briefing.

According to the broadcaster, intelligence officials said their latest assessment of foreign threats to the election indicated that Russia, China and Iran are the main foreign countries seeking to sway the outcome of the ballot and would also try to influence congressional and state races.

Officials specifically highlighted Russia’s involvement, noting that Moscow is actively supporting former President Donald Trump in the presidential race. Trump has publicly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and has been critical of both Ukraine and NATO.

In contrast, China has adopted a more complex approach, targeting candidates from both political parties based on their positions on issues of critical importance to Beijing, such as support for Taiwan. However, China is maintaining a neutral stance in the contest between Republican nominee Trump and his Democratic competitor Vice President Kamala Harris, focusing instead on influencing "dozens" of other races.

Iran, on the other hand, strongly opposes Trump’s reelection, concerned that his return to the presidency would escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Intelligence agencies predict that foreign actors will call into question the validity of the election’s results after the polls close, to undermine credibility and further their objectives, the unnamed US intelligence officials were cited as saying.