‘Digital fog’ disrupts Iran as Israel-US launch coordinated strikes

Massive internet outages and coordinated cyber intrusions targeted Iranian digital infrastructure alongside U.S. and Israeli military strikes, hitting apps, news sites and connectivity as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

A significant wave of cyber-enabled disruptions struck Iran on Saturday, coinciding with coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes across major cities, according to cybersecurity analysts and internet monitoring firms. Multiple Iranian news websites and services were hacked to display unauthorised messages amid reports that the popular religious calendar app BadeSaba — used by more than five million people — was compromised to broadcast messages urging security forces to lay down arms and join civilians.

Internet connectivity collapses amid digital attacks

Data from independent monitors showed Iran’s internet connectivity plunged sharply on the morning of the strikes, dropping to near total blackout levels with access falling to just 1 per cent of normal traffic as the operations unfolded. Analysts say such disruptions limit the ability of citizens to communicate or obtain reliable information during critical hours. Cybersecurity observers also reported that government and military systems may have been targeted to disrupt coordinated Iranian responses, though independent verification of such claims remains limited.

Experts warn of potential escalation in cyber warfare

Security experts warn that the digital offensive could catalyse retaliatory cyber operations by pro-Iranian state-aligned groups and hacktivists against U.S. and Israeli digital targets. They say future attacks could range from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) campaigns and data leaks to attempts at compromising internet-exposed industrial systems and critical infrastructure. As tensions escalate, the conflict in cyberspace reflects the broader geopolitical confrontation unfolding across the region.