TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology has announced that the country is the target of over 20,000 foreign cyberattacks during the recent 12-day war.
Speaking during a session of the parliament held on Tuesday, Sattar Hashemi said the ministry’s coordinated efforts have helped to reduce the damage and ensure the continued operation of key digital services across the country.
“This was one of the most complicated hybrid attacks we faced, but the disruption was kept to a minimum thanks to timely management and interagency coordination,” Hashemi told lawmakers.
Presenting a detailed report on communications security and digital infrastructure during the conflict with the Zionist regime, the ICT Minister outlined the measures taken to strengthen the national intelligence network and support Iran’s digital economy throughout the crisis.
Hashemi noted that the ministry’s top priority during the conflict is to ensure stability and uninterrupted access to digital services for citizens, businesses and key sectors.
“Our strategy was designed to protect psychological security and maintain public calm at critical times,” he explained.
He said the ministry coordinated closely with other government agencies to maintain continuity in key sectors such as digital payments, retail logistics, fuel distribution, healthcare and communications. A dedicated task force has been established to manage day-to-day operations and troubleshoot any confusion.
Emphasizing the broader impact of the war, Hashemmi said that nearly 10 million Iranians are directly or indirectly dependent on the digital economy for their livelihoods. He revealed that the conflict reduced employment within the sector by 30% and caused significant financial losses. However, he praised the resilience of both the business community and the general public.
In conclusion, Hashemi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the digital ecosystem and providing critical services. “Our efforts were aimed at protecting psychological safety and ensuring the continuity of the digital economy. To that end, we also provided free services to alleviate the burden on our citizens during these difficult times.”