Cyberattacks on Iran Spark Regional Tensions

Iran has been struck by significant cyberattacks that disrupted government operations and compromised sensitive information, targeting nuclear facilities and various critical infrastructures, including communications and transportation networks. Former Iranian cyberspace authority Abolhassan Firouzabadi confirmed these attacks, indicating a severe impact on all three branches of government. While Israel is not officially named as the perpetrator, the timing suggests potential Israeli involvement, particularly as tensions escalate in the Middle East following a missile barrage on Israel by Iran. In response to these threats, the US is deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel, despite Iran's warnings to keep American forces out of the region. Amid the heightened conflict, Iran has vowed to defend itself without 'red lines,' while the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran's oil sector as a countermeasure. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further military and cyber escalations.