Latest news with #Iran-linked
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran hackers launched cyber attack on Albania's capital Tirana. This is the reason why
A cyber attack on Tirana has been linked to Homeland Justice , a group associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The hackers targeted the capital's systems in response to Albania hosting an Iranian opposition group, warning that further consequences could follow. Cyber Attack Disrupts Tirana's Services Homeland Justice claimed responsibility for the cyber attack on Tirana. The group posted on Telegram that the attack was only the start. It said Albania's support for the Iranian dissidents had led to this response. Municipal services in Tirana were shut down. The group published login credentials, employee details and resident information online. Also Read: Iran Israel Airstrikes: What is Quds Force and why is Israel targeting its commanders? Here's how Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is involved by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Why did Hackers Attack Albania? Albania has hosted the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) since 2013. The MEK opposes Iran's leadership and has been based in Manëz. The US helped facilitate the move. American officials, including former Vice President Mike Pence, have visited the camp. In 2023, Albanian police raided it after suspecting activities linked to Iran's Quds Force. Data Exposure Risks for Thousands The cyberattack affected Tirana's digital infrastructure. Government websites remained offline. Transport services and the issuance of official documents faced delays. About 800,000 residents risk having their private data exposed. The attack may have broader effects if systems are not restored soon. Live Events Also Read: Iran Israel War: Who will be Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's successor if he dies? Here's how the next supreme leader of Iran will be chosen and what is Assembly of Experts Previous Cyber Incidents Albania has faced cyberattacks for over a decade. In 2022, Microsoft's Detection and Response Team was called to investigate. They found that past breaches involved sensitive data, including travel records and communications of officials. The investigation confirmed links to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security. FAQs Why did Iran-linked hackers target Albania? Iran-linked hackers attacked Albania because it hosts members of an Iranian opposition group, which the Iranian government views as a threat. What data was exposed in the Tirana cyberattack? Hackers released employee and resident details, including login information, affecting nearly 800,000 people in Tirana.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran-Israel war news: Alarming reports claim sleeper cells may be deployed across western nations by Tehran
Iran sleeper cell terror threat: Is the West prepared for Tehran's desperate response to Israeli strikes?- Iran sleeper cell threat is once again under the spotlight as Western intelligence agencies raise alarm about Tehran's increasing desperation amid heavy Israeli strikes. With Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei forced into hiding and Iran's military leadership in disarray, security experts warn that the regime could now resort to activating its global network of sleeper agents to retaliate. These individuals, embedded across Western nations, may receive orders to target public spaces, religious sites, or high-profile political figures — including U.S. President Donald Trump, who remains a top target due to his role in the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020. Could Iran's sleeper cells be waiting for a signal to attack in the West? Security analysts fear that Iranian sleeper cells, long suspected to be lying low in Western nations, could be preparing for activation. Barak Seener, a defense analyst at the Henry Jackson Society, told The Sun that Tehran's vulnerability may make it more dangerous than ever. 'They live amongst us in regular communities… when given the signal, they already know what they are going to be doing,' Seener said. This comes at a time when Iran's top military command has been dismantled by Israeli strikes. With nuclear facilities under attack and missile stockpiles destroyed, asymmetric warfare through hidden operatives may be Iran's only remaining card. Targets could include embassies, public infrastructure, synagogues, or even dirty bomb attacks in urban areas like Central London. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Clay Travis Supports IFCJ & Israel IFCJ | The Fellowship Donate Now Undo Was there really a plot to assassinate President Trump? Yes, and it wasn't a vague threat. Last year, U.S. prosecutors charged Iranian national Farhad Shakeri with plotting the assassination of then-President-elect Donald Trump. According to the charges, Shakeri was instructed by an IRGC official to prepare a seven-day plan to carry out surveillance and potentially kill Trump as revenge for ordering the drone strike that killed IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani in 2020. Former National Security Adviser John Bolton confirmed that Trump remains 'at the top' of Iran's assassination list. The attack would have sparked a global crisis, and experts say it signals how far Iran is willing to go to exact revenge on perceived enemies. Live Events How many Iran-linked plots have been uncovered in the UK? At least 15 Iran-linked terror plots, including kidnappings and assassination attempts, have been disrupted in the UK in recent years, according to counter-terrorism officials. MI5 has warned of a 'sharp rise' in threats against Iranian dissidents, especially following the Hamas-led October 7 attacks that heightened tensions in the Middle East. In 2023, journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed outside his London home. He had been reporting on human rights abuses by the Iranian regime for Iran International. UK police believe the attackers were Iranian proxy agents who fled the country within hours of the assault. Zeraati called the attack a 'warning shot' from Tehran. Why hasn't the UK officially declared the IRGC a terrorist group? Despite mounting pressure, the British government has not yet formally designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Critics, including analyst Barak Seener, argue that this loophole allows IRGC-linked operatives to operate within mosques, charities, and community centers in the UK, some of which have directors appointed directly by Khamenei. Kasra Aarabi of United Against Nuclear Iran stated: 'The IRGC is the most antisemitic armed Islamist extremist organization in the world. The failure to proscribe it is putting British lives at risk.' MI5 reports that since 2022, there have been 20 IRGC-backed plots targeting individuals on UK soil. Is Iran preparing for a new wave of global terror? Intelligence sources across Europe and the U.S. fear that Iran is preparing to unleash a global campaign of terror as retaliation for ongoing military losses and international isolation. The IRGC supports groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, both already designated terrorist organizations in the UK and U.S. But experts warn Iran might now take direct action through sleeper agents in the West. Reporters Without Borders found that nearly 50% of journalists covering Iran from the UK reported physical or verbal threats, with some receiving anthrax hoaxes or threats targeting their families. A female journalist was even threatened on a London bus with the chilling words: 'We will kill you.' Major General Hossein Salami of the IRGC warned in 2022: 'You've tried us before. Watch out because we're coming for you.' This threat now feels more urgent than ever as the regime's stability crumbles. What's at stake for Western nations? With Iran's regime increasingly cornered and under siege from Israeli forces, the potential activation of sleeper cells across Europe and the U.S. could lead to a sharp spike in domestic terror threats. These operatives, trained and guided by the IRGC, may see their mission as martyrdom — not just revenge. The stakes are high. Experts say this isn't just about regional conflict anymore. It's a global security challenge — one that could see targets as high-profile as President Trump or as commonplace as journalists, dissidents, or local places of worship. And unless governments act swiftly — particularly the UK — to label the IRGC as a terrorist group and cut off its influence networks, more lives may be at risk. FAQs: Q1. What is the Iran sleeper cell threat in the West? Iran may activate sleeper agents in Western countries to carry out terrorist attacks if it feels cornered. Q2. Why is President Trump a target in Iran's terror plot? Iran reportedly plotted to assassinate President Trump in revenge for killing General Soleimani in 2020.
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Iran-linked spy' arrested in Cyprus for ‘plotting terror attack on British military base'
Officials believe he had been monitoring a RAF base 'TERROR PLOT' 'Iran-linked spy' arrested in Cyprus for 'plotting terror attack on British military base' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAN linked to Iran has been arrested on suspicion of spying and plotting a terror attack against a British military base in Cyprus. The suspect, from Azerbaijan, has been associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to local media. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The suspected is believed to have been monitoring the RAF Akrotiri base since mid-April Credit: Doug Seeburg 3 A man has been arrested in Cyprus for allegedly planning a terror attack on a British military base Credit: Getty 3 The arrest was made based on intelligence Credit: Getty He was arrested following intelligence that he was planning an attack, according to Cypriot newspaper Phileleftheros. Officials believe he had been monitoring a British RAF military base in nearby Akrotiri since April, along with Cyprus's own Andreas Papandreou Air Base. He has been charge with terror-related offences and espionage, authorities said on Saturday. Police said no further details would be released on national security grounds. Cyprus lies very close to the Middle East, and has been used as a transport portal to the region since Iran and Israel began trading missiles. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Tucker Carlson floats nuking Iran if they are actually trying to kill Trump in epic clash with Ted Cruz over Israel conflict
Right-wing pundit Tucker Carlson suggested that the US should contemplate nuking Iran if allegations are true that the theocratic regime has been conspiring to assassinate President Trump, during a fiery two-hour debate with Sen. Ted Cruz. Carlson scoffed at Cruz (R-Texas) for confirming to him that Tehran has conspired to kill Trump and argued in disbelief that if those accusations are real, the US needs to respond with military force. 'This just seems like a huge headline and you're acting like everyone knows this. I didn't know that,' responded Carlson after having needled the Texas Republican for not knowing how many people live in Iran. Iran-linked assassination plots against the president were widely reported last year during the 2024 election — including a murder-for-hire scheme in retaliation for Trump's killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020 that was thwarted by the feds. 'I've never heard evidence that there are hit men in the United States trying to kill Trump right now. We should have a nationwide dragnet on this and we should attack Iran immediately,' Carlson added. 5 Tucker Carlson apologized to Ted Cruz at times for being snippy but grilled the senator for nearly two hours. The Tucker Carlson Show 5 Sen. Ted Cruz has since mounted a social media-based public relations counteroffensive against Tucker Carlson. The Tucker Carlson Show 'Why aren't we at war with them? Why don't we just nuke Tehran if they're trying to murder our president? There's nothing you could do that would be worse for the United States than murdering Trump.' The former primetime Fox News anchor sounded deeply skeptical that Iran actually tried to kill Trump and took steps beyond a mock video of the regime striking the real estate mogul on a golf course. Cruz told Carlson that someone had been arrested in an assassination scheme against Trump, but the conservative personality was indignant and grilled him about why he wouldn't back nuking Iran. Last year, it emerged that the feds foiled a potential plot to kill Trump. The scheme allegedly involved the hiring of Asif Merchant, a Pakistani man who claimed to have dealt with an Iranian handler who pushed him to hire a hit man, according to a proffer agreement released last year. Carlson has been one of the leading MAGA world voices demanding that the Trump administration stay out of the Israel-Iran conflict that broke out last week. Shortly after Israel's preemptive strikes on Iran, Carlson contended that the US was 'complicit in the act of war' and argued, 'politicians purporting to be America First can't now credibly turn around and say they had nothing to do with it.' Trump later brushed off his criticisms, calling Carlson 'kooky.' 5 Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed not to back down in the conflict with Israel. via REUTERS Cruz, a former debate champion who has been one of the most outspoken supporters of Israel, agreed to an interview with Carlson that quickly devolved into an epic battle of ideas over the Middle East. After filming the interview on Tuesday, the 'Tucker Carlson Network' quickly mocked Cruz by posting a preview clip of their exchange in which the Texas senator didn't know the exact population of Iran, which Carlson harped on and used to belittle his credibility on the subject. But the full interview revealed that early on, Carlson didn't know key details about the conflict either, such as the annual aid the US gives to Israel. Cruz has since mounted a full-blown social media offensive against Carlson over their epic faceoff. Both men had impugned the other's motives at times in the fiery showdown. Carlson had grilled Cruz about his ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which later prompted the senator to express bewilderment at his fixation with Israel controlling US foreign policy. 'By the way, Tucker, it's a very weird thing, the obsession with Israel. We're talking about foreign countries. You're not talking about Chinese,' Cruz fired back at one point. 'You're asking, 'Why are the Jews controlling our foreign policy?'' 'You called me a sleazy feline,' the Lone Star State Republican vented at another point. A visibly frustrated Carlson was incensed and furiously sniped at Cruz, 'You called me an antisemite.' 'Be less snarky,' Cruz gasped at a different point in the exchange after being bombarded with Carlson's flippancy. 5 President Trump has been forced to navigate MAGA divisions over the Israel-Iran conflict. AFP via Getty Images Despite the heated war of words, Cruz and Carlson sprinkled in some words of affirmation for one another throughout the two-hour clash, concluding that they agreed on about 80% of the issues. Cruz recounted Carlson's anti-lockdown monologues during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic and likened them to a 'crack injection' — while carefully caveating that he doesn't know what crack is like. Carlson also noted that he backed Cruz in his last election. But the senator sought to impress upon Carlson that he had lurched too far in the isolationist direction after concluding he had wrongfully backed the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. Cruz, who harked back to his opposition to the Iraq War, described himself as an 'isolationist hawk' who has charted out a middle ground between neocons and complete doves. Early on in their rhetorical showdown, Carlson seemed aghast that Cruz would back regime change in Iran and asked whether there are any examples of that going well, given the overseas quagmires that have ensnared the US in the past. 'Sure, defeating the Soviet Union and the Soviet Union collapsing, winning the Cold War,' Cruz replied as they sat below a portrait of Ronald Reagan giving his famous Berlin Wall speech. 'That was the most consequential step for US national security interests of our lifetimes.' Carlson later argued that the US is too 'focused on being our adversaries abroad' and suggested that life in America has deteriorated since winning the Cold War. 'What is victory worth if our country becomes what it is now, and maybe we're spending a little too much time focused abroad and not enough time focused on the people sleeping outside Union Station,' Carlson bemoaned. 'Why don't we do a regime change here?' he quipped at another point. 5 President Trump declared last year that Iran should be 'obliterated' if it assassinates him. AFP via Getty Images During their long-winded verbal bout, Cruz revealed that his religious convictions color his perspective on Israel, but stressed that his staunch support for the Jewish state is due to his belief that it is important for US interests. 'As a Christian, growing up in Sunday school, I was taught from the Bible, those who bless Israel will be blessed. And those who curse Israel will be cursed. And from my perspective, I wanna be on the blessing side of things,' Cruz explained, eliciting Carlson's signature look of bewilderment. 'We're commanded to support Israel.' Carlson, a proud Christian, pressed Cruz on that and suggested that the Israel in the Bible described in Genesis is different than the modern-day country run by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump, who has not publicly decided whether or not to join Israel's war efforts on Iran, has stood by his backing of Israel's attacks on Tehran and rejected the MAGA world critics like Carlson. 'My supporters are for me. Tucker is a nice guy. He called and apologized the other day,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Wednesday.
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Global shipping not disrupted by Israel-Iran conflict for now, but impact likely nuanced
[SINGAPORE] The Israel-Iran conflict has not disrupted global shipping – for now – but the likely impact on the industry might be more nuanced. Pacific International Lines (PIL), which focuses on China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania and the Pacific Islands, said that its sailings are continuing notwithstanding the escalated tensions in the Middle East. Abhishek Chawla, PIL's chief marine officer, told The Business Times: 'At present, we continue our sailings with utmost consideration to the evolving situation while ensuring the usual safety and security of our vessels and crews. We exercise constant risk management assessment and strategic anticipation.' Maersk has also not had disruptions caused by the Israel-Iran war and is continuing its scheduled operations in the area. 'Our aim is to keep our customers informed and help them with alternative solutions if needed,' the Danish shipping heavyweight said. Israel launched an attack on Iran on Friday (Jun 13), triggering barrages of ballistic missiles from Iran in retaliation. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), an international naval task force monitoring the Iran-linked Yemeni Houthi rebels' attacks on merchant vessels, has assessed that the maritime threat level remains significant and elevated in its latest update on Monday. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up It flagged the possibility of the military operations spilling beyond the bilateral hostilities into the wider region. The Strait of Hormuz – located between Oman and Iran, and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea – remains open and commercial traffic continues to flow, according to JMIC. However, it noted a slight drop in the number of cargo-carrying vessels of at least 1,000 gross-tonnage transiting the Strait of Hormuz since Israel's attacks on Iran. The strait is the world's most important oil choke point, through which nearly 20 million barrels – or about one-fifth of global consumption – flow each day. A blockade of the highly strategic Strait of Hormuz could send prices of the commodity soaring past US$100 a barrel. As much as 3.4 per cent of global container volumes could also be hit if the strait closes, estimated Tan Hua Joo, container industry analyst at data provider Linerlytica. 'The United Arab Emirates will be the worst hit in such an event as the 21.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs; a unit of measurement used to determine cargo capacity for container ships) that its ports handle account for the majority of the 33.2 million TEUs of total container volumes in the region.' The impact of the conflict on shipping charges could be more nuanced. Chawla of PIL commented that freight costs could rise as a result of the increase in the bunker prices sparked by the tensions. Global crude oil prices surged 7 per cent on the day that strikes between Iran and Israel took place. Lars Jensen, the chief executive officer of Vespucci Maritime, told BT that insurance companies might be re-assessing risk and charging war-risk premiums. 'Also, shippers to and from the region might be re-assessing the risk and potentially altering their shipments if this is possible.' HSBC Global Research commented that the escalating Middle East tensions mean that a return to the Red Sea any time soon is less likely, but this may not ease the concerns on capacity ramp-up and the softer spot container rates in the transpacific lane.
