Publication

This paper examines the history, development, and operation of Iran’s digital influence efforts and information operations, placing them in the broader context of Iranian security and foreign policy objectives. Key arguments include 1) that Iran’s digital influence efforts, which are conducted around the globe, involve centralized goals and disparate agents, with evidence of different government agencies being involved; 2) that Iran’s operations are easier to identify than those of Russia, partly as the content of these operations are closely tied to Iran’s worldview or geopolitical interests; 3) Iran may attempt direct electoral interference in 2020 and beyond, and more.