Iran successfully repelled a large cyber attack targeting its infrastructure on Sunday, according to Behzad Akbari, head of the country’s Infrastructure Communications Company.
The attack, described as one of the most widespread and complex against Iran’s infrastructure, was identified and preventive measures were swiftly taken, Akbari stated on Monday. However, he did not provide further details on the incident.
This cyber attack came just a day after a powerful explosion rocked Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest container port, on Saturday. While the cause of the explosion remains unclear, chemicals at the port are suspected to have played a role.
Iran’s Defence Ministry denied reports suggesting the blast could have been linked to the mishandling of missile-related solid fuel.
On the same day, Tehran and Washington concluded a third round of nuclear talks in Oman, continuing diplomatic discussions over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. The timing of the cyber attack and the explosion has raised concerns, particularly as Iran has previously accused Israel of being behind cyber disruptions targeting its infrastructure.
In 2021 and 2023, cyber attacks on Iran’s petrol stations, which Tehran attributed to Israel, further escalated tensions between the two nations. A group named “Predatory Sparrow” claimed responsibility for the 2023 attack, calling it a retaliation against Iran’s actions in the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his stance on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, calling for its complete dismantling, not just measures to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
