Iran reports major Israeli ‘cyber war’ as Tehran restricts internet for citizens

Israel has launched a “massive cyber war” against Iran’s digital infrastructure, Iranian media quotes the country’s cybersecurity command as saying.

Many of the attacks were successfully repelled, the command adds.

Meanwhile, a range of reports indicate that Iran is restricting access for the public to the outside world, as landline telephones appear to be no longer able to receive or dial international phone calls.

Iran offered no acknowledgment of the restriction, which has happened during nationwide protests in the past and during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war.

International websites also appeared to be restricted for internet users. However, local websites appeared to be functioning. That likely signals Iran has turned on its so-called “halal net,” Iran’s own locally controlled version of the internet aimed at restricting what the public can see.

Iran meanwhile bans government officials and their bodyguards from using all communication devices linked to the networks. The ban includes mobile phones, smart watches and laptops.

Iran did not elaborate on the reason for the ban, which was reported by the semiofficial Fars news agency. However, it suggests Iran suspects Israel used digital signatures from electronics to launch its strikes, which have decimated Iran’s military leadership.

Iranian state TV urges the public to remove the messaging app WhatsApp from their smartphones, alleging without offering any evidence the app gathered user information to send to Israel. WhatsApp denied any such reports.