Microsoft said that Iran has intensified its online actions to promote polarization in U.S. politics ahead of the November election. Head of Microsoft Threat Center Clint Watts said, “They’ve [Iran] laid the groundwork for influence campaigns on trending election-related topics and begun to activate these campaigns in an apparent effort to stir up controversy or sway voters — especially in swing states.” (The Washington Post, August 9, 2024, by Joseph Menn)