Whenever there are reports of Iran trying to spread misinformation in the US, people are reminded of the CGI-produced film 300. A huge blockbuster in WENA (Western Europe and North America), the film remains in the cultural zeitgeist thanks to Leonidas’ chiseled abs and the “This is Sparta” meme. Despite its widespread popularity, one country that was naturally upset was Iran, which was disgusted by the appalling portrayal of the ancient Persians and their legendary king Xerxes.
In 2007, Michael White of The Guardian wrote: “In a way that is now rare, the film uses its comic book dimension to portray the beast-like Spartans, their disturbingly militarised society, as democratic. As for the Persians, Xerxes himself, in black, half-naked, bedecked in gold and jewels, looks and speaks like a drug dealer you wouldn’t want to upset. No wonder the government and people of Iran objected. They were right to do so.”
Many Iranians even believe that the film was secretly funded by the US government to prepare Americans for a potential conflict with Iran. This is probably why Iran continues to meddle in US affairs with the same gusto with which the US has always meddles in global affairs.
In September 2024, US intelligence agencies revealed that Iranian hackers had attempted to interfere in the upcoming presidential election by stealing non-public material. Donald Trump‘s campaign and sent it to individuals associated with President Joe Biden’s re-election team. According to the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, this cyber attack This was part of a broader effort by Iran to sow divisions and undermine confidence in the US electoral process.
Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Wow, just now! The FBI caught Iran spying on my campaign and handing over all the info Kamala Harris campaign. This means that he and his campaign were illegally spying on me. This will be known as the Iran, Iran, Iran case! Will Kamala resign from politics in disgrace? Will the communist left choose a new candidate to replace her?”
A Harris campaign spokesperson said: “We are not aware of any material sent directly to the campaign. Some individuals were targeted on their personal emails, which appears to be spam or phishing attempts.”
The stolen material, the exact nature of which is yet unknown, was sent to various US media outlets and political entities in an attempt to influence the election. However, the Biden campaign has not contacted the hackers or responded to the stolen material. The cyberattack highlights Iran’s ongoing efforts to interfere in US elections, a strategy they have pursued since at least 2020.
This incident is part of a wider pattern Foreign cyber intervention Questions are being raised about the role of Iranian hackers in the US elections. A Microsoft report has revealed that Iranian hackers, in particular, are associated with a group called Toofaan-2035Trump engaged in sophisticated cyber operations, including spear-phishing attacks targeting senior officials in the campaign. These cyber efforts aimed to influence both sides of the US political spectrum by spreading misinformation on controversial topics such as LGBTQ rights, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and other divisive issues.
A notable aspect of Iran’s approach is the use of covert news sites, such as “Neo Thinker” and “Savannah Time,” which appeal to opposite ends of the American political spectrum. These sites amplify polarizing messages and attempt to engage voters, particularly in swing states, in order to influence public opinion and create controversy ahead of elections.
In particular, NeoThinker has published satirical articles mocking Donald Trump, describing him as an “opioid-pill-stuffed elephant in a MAGA china shop” and a “crazy litigator”.
These disinformation campaigns are often powered by AI-enabled services, allowing Iranian actors to plagiarize content from legitimate US news outlets, altering and amplifying these messages to suit their political objectives. Microsoft’s report highlights how these tactics are designed to obscure the original sources of the content and increase traffic to Iranian-controlled websites.
Further complicating the situation, Trump’s campaign confirmed that internal communications had been hacked, which matches Microsoft’s findings on Iranian cyber activity.
This latest incident adds to the long history of tensions between the US and Iran, which views Trump’s return to the presidency with even greater distaste. During his presidency, Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018, re-imposed harsh sanctions on Iran and launched a “maximum pressure” campaign to force Tehran to renegotiate. His administration also escalated military tensions by authorising the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 and declaring the IRGC a terrorist organisation. Despite expressed willingness for a new deal, no diplomatic breakthroughs have been achieved and US-Iran relations remain highly strained.
While Iran’s interference in the US election is not surprising — even China and Russia have done this in the past — but in this new age of misinformation, it seems that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
Here are 10 other stories to keep an eye on:
- US Fed should cut interest rates: Harris welcomed On the interest rate cut, Trump said it showed the economy was performing “very poorly.”
- Detailed analysis: Learn in-depth Asked about Iran’s efforts to interfere in US elections, he said the move was “extremely worrying” for the US.
- Cyber Warfare: Microsoft cautioned About the “most dangerous moment” coming before the US presidential election.
- Pole dance: Trump and Harris neck and neck In the key swing state of Pennsylvania.
- Trump elegy: Trump admits he didn’t do it Reading Memoirs of His Wife.
- The Big Donald: Trump buy a burger For his fans in New York who use Bitcoin.
- Swift Effect : Latest Election This shows that Harris is still ahead of Trump.
- Surprise: Trump Astonished An 8-year-old boy with a rare brain disorder is a gift
- Threats: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, known as the “Bikini Congresswoman,” receives threats “Serious” death threats.
- Green-eyed Melania: Former First Lady reportedly annoyed by Trump’s new aide who Too close for comfort.
