A major cyber attack has targeted the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and several other banks, causing widespread disruptions in the country's banking system, according to a report by Iran International.
Iran International, a news outlet aligned with the Iranian opposition, said the scale and impact of the attack suggest it could be one of the largest cyberattacks on Iran's state infrastructure to date. This incident occurs against a backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East and international pressure on Iran.
The incident comes on the heels of reports suggesting Iranian hackers are actively working to influence and monitor the upcoming US elections. A recent Microsoft study outlines a campaign involving the creation of fake news websites designed to appeal to both liberal and conservative voters, as well as attempts to infiltrate an unnamed presidential campaign.
Earlier Wednesday, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressed perceived threats, stating, "The exaggeration of our enemies' capabilities is intended to spread fear among our people by the US, Britain, and the Zionists. The enemies' hand is not as strong as it is publicized. We must rely on ourselves. The enemy's goal is to spread psychological warfare to push us into political and economic retreat and achieve its objectives."
This cyberattack comes at a time of heightened international scrutiny of Iran's actions in the region as Iran vows to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier this month. The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement warning Iran that it "will bear responsibility" for any attacks against Israel, which could further escalate regional tensions and jeopardize efforts towards a cease-fire and hostage-release deal. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have called on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks, emphasizing the urgency of resuming negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
According to senior Iranian officials who spoke with Reuters, Iran's potential retaliation against Israel for the assassination hinges on the outcome of Gaza ceasefire-hostage release negotiations.
