Russia and Iran may fuel violent post-election protests in the U.S., intelligence officials warn

Fears of political violence have grown as polarization increases, a trend America's adversaries have tried to accelerate using disinformation and propaganda

WASHINGTON — Russia and Iran may try to encourage violent protests in the U.S. after next month’s election, senior intelligence officials warned Tuesday in a declassified memo, citing two recent examples of foreign intelligence agencies seeking to sow discord ahead of the vote.

The memo, released Tuesday by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said both countries could support violent protests either by covertly organizing events themselves or by encouraging participation in those planned by domestic groups. The aim, the officials wrote, would be to increase division, cast doubt on election results and complicate the transfer of presidential power.