Iran mocks France after Paris blames IRGC unit for supermarket cyberattack
Tehran rejected allegations that an Iranian cyber unit disrupted refrigeration systems across 700 French establishments in October.
France has attributed a large-scale cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems to an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) cyber unit, according to reports from The Times of India and The Hindu. The operation, which occurred on the night of October 11-12, targeted temperature controls in approximately 700 establishments, including supermarkets, butcher shops, and food-processing factories.
French authorities identified the responsible group as Shahid Kaveh, an offensive cyber unit linked to the IRGC's Electronic Warfare and Cyber Defence Organization. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs described the incident as a first-of-its-kind offensive cyber campaign intended to cause physical damage on French territory.
The disruption caused temperatures to rise, leading to food spoilage worth tens of millions of euros and at least 15 reported fires. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that a judicial investigation has been opened into suspected organised cybercrime committed to serve the interests of Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected the claims, mocking the French government for being unable to manage fridges. Araghchi accused Paris of blaming external actors to deflect from domestic issues and criticised France's position regarding the conflict in Gaza.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the Iranian ambassador was summoned to receive a formal protest. The French government is considering further diplomatic measures and may seek additional European Union sanctions against the individuals and entities involved in the operation.
