In response to rising regional tensions and a series of Cyber Conflict with Israel, the Iranian government has intentionally slowed down internet access across the country. Officials claim the move is a strategic attempt to mitigate further digital attacks, particularly those allegedly orchestrated by Israel. Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian government, stated that the restriction is “temporary, targeted, and controlled,” and is intended to protect national cyber infrastructure.
The announcement came following reports by global internet observatory NetBlocks, which recorded a “significant reduction in internet traffic” around 5:30 p.m. local time. This action follows days of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which began with direct missile exchanges and has now spilled into cyberspace. Experts warn of intensifying cyber warfare involving state-sponsored hackers and hacktivist groups aligned with both nations.
Cyber Attacks Target Financial and Communication Systems
The Cyber Conflict with Israel took a dramatic turn earlier this week when the pro-Israeli hacker group Predatory Sparrow claimed responsibility for breaching Iran’s Bank Sepah. The attack disrupted ATM and website services. The group accused the bank of funding Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs and aiding terrorist proxies. In a statement on social media, the hackers alleged cooperation with “brave Iranians” inside the country to execute the sabotage.
Further incidents have included a sharp rise in cyber activity traced to Iranian-affiliated threat actors. According to Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity firm Radware, several Telegram channels have shown increased chatter, with groups such as Mysterious Team Bangladesh and Arabian Ghost issuing threats to Jordan and Saudi Arabia. They also claimed cyber disruptions of Israeli radio stations.
Iran’s cyber authorities have also accused WhatsApp of espionage, urging citizens to delete the app. However, WhatsApp denied the allegations, stating it does not track users or share bulk data with any government.
The situation follows a U.S. State Department alert regarding Iranian hackers tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber-Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC). These actors allegedly deployed the IOCONTROL malware to target Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in the U.S. and allied nations. The hacking group “Cyber Av3ngers” is believed to be behind these campaigns, prompting Washington to offer rewards for information on the perpetrators.
Cyber Conflict with Israel Crypto Exchange Hack Escalates Digital Frontlines
On June 18, Predatory Sparrow intensified its campaign by claiming responsibility for an attack on Iran’s largest crypto exchange, Nobitex. The hackers announced plans to publish sensitive source code and internal network data, accusing the platform of aiding the Iranian regime in bypassing international sanctions.
Nobitex confirmed unauthorized access and suspended operations temporarily, assuring users that their assets remain secure and that losses will be reimbursed. According to blockchain investigator ZachXBT, approximately $81.7 million in digital assets were stolen across multiple blockchains. The attackers used a provocative vanity address containing anti-IRGC messaging, suggesting a political motive behind the breach.
Blockchain analysis firm Elliptic concluded that the hackers effectively “burned” the stolen funds, making them unrecoverable. The move, they said, was symbolic—a calculated act to send a strong political message rather than a financially driven attack. Elliptic also linked Nobitex’s user base to sanctioned operatives from the IRGC, further deepening the cyber war narrative.
As tensions mount in both physical and digital theaters, Iran’s internet throttling underscores the growing role of cyber warfare in modern geopolitical conflict.
