How Cyber Operations Have Played a Role in the Ongoing War Against Iran?

SadaNews - Alongside the escalating airstrikes between the U.S. and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, multiple reports have emerged indicating that the digital war – from infiltrating traffic camera networks to hacking television broadcasts – has had a significant presence in the field, not only as a tool for gathering information but also as part of the overall military effort to support strikes and psychological operations.

Targeting Surveillance Networks

Extensive reports from media sources indicate that Israeli intelligence has infiltrated the traffic camera network in the Iranian capital, Tehran, over the years, enabling them to track the movements of high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

According to the "Financial Times," these cameras were sending encrypted data to servers in Israel, helping to build an accurate picture of the daily routines of Iranian regime officials and the leaders of its security apparatus, which contributed to locating Khamenei at the time of the air attack that led to his death.

The Role of Cyber Attacks in Disrupting Defenses

The U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that joint operations in space and cyber operations contributed to disrupting Iranian communication networks and sensor devices before the airstrikes commenced, leaving the adversary without the ability to see, coordinate, or respond effectively.

This type of operation is not limited to information gathering but also aims to confuse the opponent’s defense and communication systems, paving the way for traditional airstrikes.

Psychological Impact Through Media

On another level, users online circulated reports indicating that Iranian television networks aired unusual broadcasts to urge citizens to revolt against the regime, a method typically used in what is known as sending psyops messages.

Social media posts have shown similar cases, including the hacking of a television broadcast inside Iran to air speeches from Western leaders urging the people to rise up, a practice often linked to attempts to influence public sentiment and not just information gathering.

Who is Behind the Attacks?

Although the details are still unfolding, multiple reports link the cyber operations to U.S. and Israeli forces, whether through specialized cybersecurity units or broader intelligence coordination.

In contrast, the abilities of Iranian attackers have been clearly less effective, with some experts attributing this to technical limitations and internet censorship within Iran that have constrained government hackers’ ability to launch effective counterattacks.

Was Cyber Warfare Crucial?

It is important to emphasize that despite the role played by digital operations, the current war relies almost exclusively on conventional military power – bombs, missiles, and aerial weapons – and not just on breaching digital systems.

There may be a tendency among some officials to overestimate the impact of cyberattacks as part of efforts to influence the enemy or to demonstrate technological capability, but the reality indicates that they have been a complementary part rather than a decisive factor in the outcomes of battles thus far.