What's happened
As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, cyber warfare intensifies, with Israeli-linked hackers draining over $90 million from Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Nobitex. Iran's internet access has plummeted due to military actions and government restrictions, leaving citizens in the dark amid ongoing conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Cyber Warfare Dynamics
- The recent cyberattack on Nobitex highlights the strategic use of digital platforms in modern warfare, where financial systems are targeted to undermine adversaries.
- The hacker group Gonjeshke Darande, linked to Israel, has shifted the battlefield from physical confrontations to cyber realms, demonstrating the evolving nature of conflict.
- The implications of these attacks extend beyond immediate financial loss; they threaten Iran's economic stability and public trust in government capabilities.
Internet Blackout Consequences
- Iran's near-total internet blackout has severe repercussions for its citizens, limiting access to information and communication during a critical time.
- The government's justification for the blackout, citing security concerns, raises questions about transparency and the public's right to information.
- As the conflict continues, the ability of citizens to communicate and access news will likely influence public sentiment and potential unrest within Iran.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Iran's internet traffic has dropped significantly, with Cloudflare noting a 97% decrease. This blackout is linked to both military actions and government restrictions aimed at preventing cyberattacks. The New Arab highlights that the internet collapse is the worst since the 2019 protests, severely impacting communication and information dissemination. Meanwhile, the NY Post emphasizes the political motivations behind the cyberattacks, with Gonjeshke Darande claiming the heist was a message against Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The Independent adds that the stolen funds were effectively 'burned' to send a political statement, indicating the attack's symbolic significance beyond financial gain.
How we got here
The conflict escalated following Israeli military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting retaliatory actions from both sides. Cyberattacks have become a significant aspect of this confrontation, with previous incidents like the Stuxnet worm setting a precedent for digital warfare.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the internet blackout in Iran?
- How has the international community responded to these cyberattacks?
- What are the potential future developments in the Israel-Iran conflict?
Common question
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What Happened in the Nobitex Crypto Exchange Hack?
On June 19, 2025, a significant cyberattack targeted Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, resulting in the theft of over $90 million. This incident not only raises questions about the security of cryptocurrency exchanges but also highlights the geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. Below, we explore the details of the hack, its implications, and preventive measures for exchanges.
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What Are the Latest Developments in the Iran-Israel Conflict?
The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly, drawing in global powers and impacting regional stability. As military actions and cyber warfare intensify, many are left wondering about the implications for international relations and energy markets. Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the current situation.
More on these topics
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, founded after the Iranian Revolution on 22 April 1979 by order of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
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Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei is a Twelver Shia Marja' and the second and current supreme leader of Iran, in office since 1989. He was previously the president of Iran from 1981 to 1989.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.