As military hostilities between Israel, the United States and Iran intensify, the confrontation is expanding far beyond traditional battlefields and into cyberspace. A rising number of digital assaults are now occurring alongside conventional strikes, with both sides targeting government networks, armed forces systems and essential infrastructure.
The joint U.S.–Israeli military initiative, known by names such as Operation Roaring Lion or Epic Fury, began over the weekend with sustained air and missile attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. In response, Iran has launched its own strikes across the region, including against American bases and key transport hubs in the Gulf.
What Kinds of Cyber Incidents Have Happened?
One of the first noticeable cyber incidents involved the BadeSaba Calendar app, a widely downloaded religious tool in Iran, which was reportedly breached and used to display messages urging civilians and military personnel alike to expect “help” or “reckoning.”
Several Iranian cyber collectives have also publicly claimed disruptive operations against Israeli defence tech platforms and drone-related services. Some groups are reportedly attempting to recruit skilled hackers to participate in what they describe as a broader digital offensive.
At the same time, accounts linked to Iran’s intelligence apparatus claimed responsibility for intrusions in neighbouring countries, according to cybersecurity monitoring firms. Officials in the United States have also acknowledged that American forces are conducting “information warfare” efforts aimed at destabilising Iranian military command and encouraging defections among its leadership.
Internet Access and Broader Disruption
Iran’s domestic internet connectivity has been sharply curtailed in recent days, both due to cyberattacks and government restrictions, leaving much of the country with limited online access. This follows broader restrictions coinciding with protests and previous periods of near-total outages.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Cyber operations are expected to remain a central element of Iran’s response to being militarily outmatched. Analysts say Tehran may deploy a range of tactics — from denial-of-service attacks to sophisticated malware — in retaliation for conventional strikes, drawing on established cyber groups linked to its internal security organisations.
Defenders on the Israeli and U.S. side are similarly bolstering defensive and offensive digital capabilities, including units specialised in cybersecurity. These efforts reflect a broader trend in which digital strategy is increasingly inseparable from physical military engagements in modern conflict.
“In today’s conflicts, the battlefield isn’t just land or sky — it’s the code that connects us all. True security lies not just in missiles or borders, but in resilient systems that can withstand the silent wars fought in cyberspace.”
