France has publicly accused Iran of orchestrating a cyberattack that targeted supermarket refrigeration systems, causing significant disruption and financial losses. The allegation was made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during a news conference on Monday.
Barrot stated that the attack was carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, describing it as "unprecedented in both its scale and its level of aggression." He further announced that France would pursue sanctions at the European level against all individuals responsible for the attack.
Widespread Impact on Supermarkets
The cyberattack, which occurred last month, affected fridges and freezers in hundreds of supermarkets across France. The attackers manipulated the temperature controls, causing the appliances to heat up and spoil fresh and frozen food. The estimated value of the ruined goods is in the millions of euros.
In a related development, dozens of supermarkets in seven other European countries were hit by a similar cyberattack last week, targeting refrigeration systems. Authorities have not yet determined whether the two incidents are connected.
Iran has not responded to the allegations made by the French foreign minister.
Investigation Launched
Separately on Monday, the Paris prosecutor's office announced that it had opened an investigation into the head of an offensive cyber unit associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This move suggests that France is taking a firm stance against what it perceives as state-sponsored cyber aggression.
The cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems is considered unusual due to its direct impact on physical infrastructure and the food supply chain. Experts suggest that such attacks could be part of a broader campaign to test the vulnerabilities of critical systems in Europe.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
