Source: https://apnews.com/article/cyber-threats-iran-war-trump-israel-hackers-2c0ae77b1799b3d1c5b1353f7798f8ff
Amid the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran, pro-Iranian hackers have targeted sites in the middle east and even mainland U.S. AP News reports that since the start of the conflict on February 28, 2026, pro-Iranian hacker groups have intensified operations. They have been targeting companies and infrastructure across the middle east and the U.S. One notable attack was on Stryker, a Michigan based medical device manufacturer, whose global networks were disrupted. Hackers have also attempted to manipulate surveillance cameras in the Middle East to assist Iranian missile targeting, in addition to already hitting data centers, airports, schools and key industrial facilities across several countries in the middle east. Cybersecurity experts warn that American defense contractors and critical infrastructure including power plants, water facilities and hospitals, could become targets as the conflict intensifies. Some hacking groups, such as the pro-Iranian group Handala, claim their attacks are retaliation for U.S military actions against Iran. Unlike some cyber criminals, these groups often aim to disrupt and destroy data rather than demand ransom. Security analysts believe that the goal of these operations is to weaken U.S. war efforts, increase pressure, and create instability. The expansion of cyberattacks during the conflict involving Iran and the U.S. demonstrates how modern warfare increasingly extends beyond traditional kinetic methods of war, to digitized methods.
From an IB global politics lens, this situation highlights key concepts of power, security, interdependence and sovereignty. Cyber attacks represent a form of asymmetric power, allowing states or allied groups with less strong military resources to challenge stronger opponents through digital means. The attacks also illustrate how interconnected systems such as communications and infrastructure can become vulnerabilities during conflict. Additionally, cyber warfare complicated traditional ideas of soverneighty, because attacks can cross national borders more easily and it is often difficult to trace directly to governments.