Tehran: On Saturday, Iran experienced significant cyberattacks that targeted its nuclear facilities and disrupted nearly all three branches of government. These attacks occurred amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, following Iran’s launch of approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. While Israel had warned of a “precise and surprising” response, it remains unconfirmed whether it was involved in the recent cyber onslaught.
“Nearly all three branches of Iran’s government—the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive branch—have been hit by heavy cyberattacks, and their information was stolen,” said Firouzabadi, the former secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace, as quoted by Iran International. He further detailed that, “Our nuclear facilities have also been targeted by cyberattacks, as well as networks like fuel distribution, municipal networks, transportation networks, ports, and similar sectors. These are just part of a long list of various areas across the country that have been attacked.”
Earlier this week, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that Israel’s forthcoming response would be “deadly, precise, and surprising.” In contrast, Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to defend its sovereignty, stating, “Iran stands fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression targeting its vital interests and security.”
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In a significant geopolitical development, Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, expressed support for France’s position that halting arms exports to Israel is the “only way” to stop the ongoing conflicts. This support came shortly after a dramatic phone call between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. The conversation occurred just days following the visit of Iran’s Foreign Minister to Saudi Arabia, indicating a potential diplomatic shift and a setback for U.S. influence in the region.
