French authorities have confirmed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were behind a recent cyberattack targeting refrigeration systems in supermarkets across France. The attack, which disrupted cooling systems in hundreds of stores, occurred in late October and has been described as one of the most disruptive cyber incidents in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed the attribution during a press briefing in Paris, stating that the attack was “unprecedented” in scale and impact.
The cyberattack reportedly affected major supermarket chains, causing temporary shutdowns and raising concerns about food safety and supply chain stability. French officials have vowed to take coordinated action at the European level, including potential sanctions against Tehran. Barrot emphasized that the attack was a direct act of cyber warfare, part of a broader escalation in tensions between France and Iran.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the cyber conflict between France and Iran, which has seen a series of targeted attacks since February. Previous incidents have included disruptions to infrastructure in the United States and other European countries. The French government has been working closely with European allies to assess the full scope of the attack and determine the appropriate response. An investigation is ongoing, and Iran’s ambassador to France has been summoned for further discussions. The attack has intensified calls for stronger cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to counter state-sponsored cyber threats.
