U.S. Carried out a Cyberattack on a Suspected Iranian Surveillance Ship
The U.S. conducted a cyberattack on an Iranian surveillance ship. It was collecting intelligence on cargo vessels in the Red Sea as well as the Gulf of Aden.
The attack took place the day after militias linked to Iran attacked and killed three American military personnel in Jordan and wounded several others.
Why Attack Iranian Surveillance Ship?
The purpose of the cyber operation is to intercept communications from the Iranian ship to prevent it from reporting intelligence to the Houthi rebels who have been using missiles and drones against the cargo ships in the Red Sea.
US officials suspect that the Iranian government is using the vessel to get targeting information to the Houthis. The latter can then use that information to refine subsequent attacks against ships.
One United States official, meanwhile, revealed that the cyberattack was on a ship named MV Behshad. However, other officials failed to confirm the affected vessel. Additionally, Pentagon press secretary, Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder he was not aware of the U.S.’ targeting the Behshad but added, “We are very well aware of the ship.”
Iran’s Defense of Behshad’s Presence
In an interview with NBC News, Iran’s Ambassador claimed that the said ship was at the location to conduct anti-piracy operations. Amir Saeid Iravani added that the vessel had no connections to Houthi forces.
However, ship tracking data said since January, Behshad operated close to the port of Djibouti. Close to a Chinese military base, they did this in a bid to dissuade any physical actions from US naval forces.
The recent cyberattack is a continuation of previous US statements of including cyber offensives in its retaliatory strikes.
On February 1, President Joe Biden said he is considering a prolonged bombing campaign in the Middle East in response to a drone attack that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. soldiers in Jordan. Additionally, these strikes may involve cyberattacks targeting significant Iranian assets.
The purported targets extend to Iranian locations situated beyond Iran’s borders, fueling apprehensions regarding the prospect of a comprehensive conflict with Iran. It is noteworthy that the Pentagon has acknowledged a lack of evidence directly linking Iran to the drone attack.