Iran's nuclear facilities, govt establishments targeted in massive Cyberattacks: Report

In a major development, Iran experienced significant cyberattacks on Saturday that disrupted nearly all branches of its government and targeted its nuclear facilities. This incident follows Israel's pledge to retaliate against Iran's missile assault on October 1.

"Nearly every branch of Iran’s government—the judiciary, legislature, and executive—has been affected by these cyberattacks, resulting in the theft of their information," stated Firouzabadi, former secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace, according to Iran International.

"Our nuclear facilities, along with crucial networks such as fuel distribution, municipal services, transportation, and ports, have also come under attack. These incidents represent just a portion of the numerous sectors targeted across the country," he added.

Israel warns an attack on Iran would be 'lethal' and 'surprising'

Israel's defense minister warned on Wednesday that his country's retaliation for a recent Iranian missile attack will be “lethal” and “surprising,” while the Israeli military pushed ahead with a large-scale operation in northern Gaza and a ground offensive in Lebanon against Hezbollah militants.

On the diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden held their first call in seven weeks, with a White House press secretary saying the call included discussions on Israel's deliberations over how it will respond to Iran's attack.

The continuing cycle of destruction and death in Gaza, unleashed by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, comes as Israel expands a weeklong ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon and considers a major retaliatory strike on Iran following Iran’s Oct. 1 missile barrage.

“Our strike will be lethal, precise and above all, surprising. They won’t understand what happened and how. They will see the results,” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said during a speech to troops. “Whoever strikes us will be harmed and pay a price.”

Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel on Oct. 1 which the United States helped fend off. Biden has said he would not support a retaliatory strike on sites related to Tehran’s nuclear program.