Iran has experienced extensive cyberattacks over the weekend, described by analysts as one of the most extensive digital assaults in modern history, alongside missile strikes.
Iran was hit not only by missile attacks over the weekend but also by what analysts describe as one of the largest cyberattacks in modern history, which rendered significant portions of the country in a state of digital blackout. The U.S. Department of Defense named the joint operation 'Operation Epic Fury', while Israel referred to it as 'Operation Roaring Lion'. Reports confirm that Iran's internet connectivity plummeted to just 4%, indicating severe disruptions.
The cyberattack coincided with reported airstrikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard facilities, suggesting a coordinated military effort targeting Iran's critical infrastructure. The assault affected communication networks crucial for both governmental and civilian use, ultimately shutting down state-run media and limiting internet access nationwide, putting substantial segments of the Islamic Republic into what observers have described as 'digital darkness'.
An independent monitoring group, NetBlocks, reported significant nationwide connectivity declines, emphasizing the extensive impact on Iranian digital life. The coinciding military operations, including airstrikes, add a layer of complexity to the situation, marking it as a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and raising concerns about escalation between Iran, the U.S., and Israel.
