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NDTV
21 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Is Israel's Iron Dome Failing Against Iran? What Ex General Told NDTV
New Delhi: Over the last eight days, Israel's much-acclaimed air defence system, the Iron Dome, has been tested like never before against multiple waves of Israeli missiles. As the conflict stretches into its eighth day, questions mount over its performance and whether it can withstand a long conflict. On Thursday, Iran confirmed a new wave of combined missile and drone attacks on military sites in Haifa and Tel Aviv, escalating tensions and prompting fears that Israel's air defences may be cracking under pressure, reported Al Jazeera. On June 19, the strikes, which reportedly hit four locations - including Soroka Hospital in southern Israel - triggered a counterattack. Airstrikes were aimed at what are believed to be Iranian-linked nuclear facilities in Iraq. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was not ruling out a strike on Ayatollah Khamenei, while Defence Minister Israel Katz directly blamed the Iranian Supreme Leader for the attack on the hospital. As footage surfaces showing some missiles slipping past Israeli air defences, speculation has intensified — is the Iron Dome beginning to falter? Speaking to NDTV, retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi, chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF), insisted that while the system was under strain, it remained largely intact. He said it wasn't just the Iron Dome at work. 'Ballistic missiles — especially those fired from long range — are intercepted mostly by Arrow 3,' he said, referring to Israel's space-based missile defence system, which he claimed has 'more than 90% success.' Still, he cautioned that no system is flawless. 'It's hard to reach 100%,' he said, adding that when a missile does break through, Israel's layered defence kicks in. He also advised civilians to use bunkers in such instances. On whether the Iron Dome was still dependable or if Israel must prepare for a post-Iron Dome future, Avivi maintained that the system, along with the broader air defence network, was reliable. He said the situation was not just about a single system but about a multi-layered strategy to counter a range of threats. Watch #NewsNight with @DeeptiSachdeva_ | Last Few Hours For Khamenei's Regime? US Attack Imminent? Chairman of IDSF (Retd) Amir Avivi speaks to NDTV's Deepti Sachdeva, shares his insights on the ongoing Iran-Israel tensions #NDTVExclusive — NDTV (@ndtv) June 19, 2025 'Israel is managing to systematically destroy the ballistic capabilities of Iran,' he said, pointing out that Iran aimed to launch hundreds of ballistic missiles but failed to maintain that momentum. According to him, Israeli strikes have destroyed more than 40% of Iran's launchers, significantly damaging Tehran's ability to sustain attacks. As Israel's defence systems are being tested by Iranian missile attacks, Avivi seems to suggest that the Iron Dome, though under pressure, can hold the line — at least for now. On Thursday, the White House said that President Donald Trump will make a decision on whether or not the US should get directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict in the next two days. The negotiations or talks weren't off-table, it added.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Take immediate action to ...: Researchers warn US companies of Iranian cyberattacks
Two prominent US cybersecurity organizations , the Information Technology — Information Sharing and Analysis Center ( IT-ISAC ) and the Food and Agriculture Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Food and Ag-ISAC), have issued an urgent warning to American businesses across the country about a potential surge in cyberattacks from Iranian-linked actors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The alert comes as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, raising concerns about cyber retaliation targeting US companies. In a joint statement released recently, the ISACs cautioned that Iranian state-sponsored hackers, pro-Iran hacktivist groups, and financially motivated cybercriminals have historically launched attacks against US organizations during periods of heightened conflict. The groups urged businesses, particularly those in critical infrastructure sectors, to bolster their cybersecurity defenses immediately. 'Preparedness is critical to resilience,' the statement emphasized, calling on companies to assess their cybersecurity posture, familiarize themselves with Iranian-affiliated threat actors' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and enhance monitoring for suspicious activity. The ISACs also stressed the importance of employee training to recognize and report phishing emails and malicious links. The warning highlighted the risk of collateral damage, noting that cyberattacks aimed at Israeli targets could inadvertently disrupt US companies due to the interconnected nature of global digital networks. 'Even attacks not directly targeting the US could have indirect effects,' the statement said. Both organizations are actively monitoring the situation and providing real-time intelligence to their members through tools like adversary attack playbooks and secure collaboration channels. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They encouraged non-member companies to join their information-sharing networks to strengthen industry-wide cyber defenses. The Food and Ag-ISAC, established in 2023, supports the food and agriculture sector with threat intelligence and incident response resources. As global tensions rise, the ISACs underscored the need for heightened vigilance to protect critical infrastructure from potential disruptions.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
US businesses warned to brace for Iranian cyberattacks as war with Israel escalates
Two leading US cybersecurity organizations are urging American businesses to brace for a potential wave of cyberattacks from Iran as the country is engaged in escalating hostilities with Israel. The Information Technology — Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IT-ISAC) and the Food and Agriculture Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Food and Ag-ISAC) issued a joint statement last week warning that the conflict could trigger a surge in cyber activity from Iranian-linked actors targeting American companies. 'Historically, Iranian state-sponsored actors, pro-Iran hacktivist groups, and financially motivated cybercriminals have launched attacks against US organizations during periods of heightened conflict,' the statement said. 4 Two leading US cybersecurity organizations are urging American businesses to brace for a potential wave of cyberattacks from Iran. Rumana – The two ISACs called on businesses across all sectors — especially those in critical infrastructure — to 'take immediate steps to proactively assess their cyber preparedness, enhance their defenses, and prepare for a range of cyber activity, some of which could potentially be disruptive.' Iranian-affiliated threat actors are known for their aggressive and adaptive tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) — a cybersecurity term that describes how hackers or cybercriminal groups plan and carry out attacks in the digital world. The two cybersecurity groups emphasized the importance of raising internal awareness, boosting monitoring for suspicious behavior and training employees to report phishing emails and malicious links. 'Preparedness is critical to resilience,' the organizations wrote. 'Now is the time for companies to become familiar with Iranian-affiliated threat actors and their TTPs, assess their own cybersecurity posture, strengthen their defenses, begin heightened monitoring for suspicious activity, and remind employees to report suspicious emails and links.' The ISACs also highlighted the risks of collateral damage, noting that attacks aimed directly at Israeli targets could inadvertently impact US companies through the global interconnectedness of digital networks. 4 Israeli air defense systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over Tel Aviv on Wednesday. AFP via Getty Images 'Even attacks not directly targeting the US could have indirect effects and cause disruptions to companies in the US,' the statement warned. 'It is possible that cyber attacks targeting Israel itself could cause collateral damage to US companies, even if the US companies themselves are not the intended target.' Both organizations said they are continuing to monitor the situation and provide real-time intelligence to member companies. They noted that their member base is actively using tools such as adversary attack playbooks and secure collaboration channels to stay ahead of emerging threats. 'The Food and Ag-ISAC and IT-ISAC will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely intelligence updates as new threats emerge,' the statement read. The alert comes as US critical infrastructure sectors remain on high alert amid rising global tensions. Both ISACs encourage companies not currently participating in their information-sharing networks to join voluntarily in order to strengthen the broader industry's cyber defenses. The Food and Ag-ISAC, launched in 2023, provides threat intelligence and incident response resources for the food and agriculture sector. 4 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed that his country 'won't surrender.' via REUTERS The IT-ISAC, founded in 2000, supports companies across the technology space with curated cyber threat analysis and collaborative security tools. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed that the country 'won't surrender,' issuing a warning that any American military involvement would result in 'irreparable consequences.' His statement follows remarks from President Trump, who posted on social media that the US knows the whereabouts of Iran's top leadership but has chosen not to act—before declaring, 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!' A White House official told the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday as military tensions escalated in the region. 4 Iran-linked hackers are believed to have launched cyber attacks against US targets during period of geopolitical unrest. AFP via Getty Images In recent days, the US has reinforced its military presence near Iran, with a third Navy destroyer entering the eastern Mediterranean and a second aircraft carrier strike group en route to the Arabian Sea. Although the Pentagon has described the deployments as defensive in nature, the positioning could serve dual purposes — either to enable a potential joint offensive with Israel or to increase pressure on Iran to back down or negotiate. Fighting between Israel and Iran has intensified, with reports of mounting casualties. A human-rights group said the death toll in Iran has climbed above 450, while Israeli authorities have reported 24 deaths resulting from Iranian missile attacks. The Post has sought comment from the Iranian government.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
After decades of warnings, Benjamin Netanyahu strikes Iran, but can he win the war he always feared?
For years, Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran posed an existential threat to Israel. In the early hours of Friday, he turned those warnings into action. More than 200 Israeli aircraft struck military and nuclear targets deep inside Iran, in the most extensive and direct assault the Islamic Republic has faced in four decades. The strikes hit air defences, missile systems, and facilities linked to Iran's nuclear programme, as well as killing several top commanders and scientists. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said the operation could not be delayed. 'We cannot afford to wait for another time to operate, we have no other choice,' he said. 'Recent and past events of history have taught us that when the enemy is attempting to destroy us, we must not turn a blind eye.' Israel-Iran War: A decades-long confrontation Netanyahu's confrontation with Iran has spanned his political life. Since the mid-2000s, he has made Tehran's nuclear programme a centrepiece of Israeli national security policy. 'For the past two decades Iran was the number one thing for Netanyahu,' said Aviv Bushinsky, his former chief of staff. 'This is the most significant thing he has done.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Daughter thought she had saved 'cute bunnies.' The vet pales when he realizes what they really are Interesticle Undo Friday's strikes mark the transformation of Israel's covert campaign against Iran into a direct military conflict. In recent years, Israeli forces have targeted Iranian-linked groups across the region — degrading Hezbollah in Lebanon, undermining Syria's Assad regime, and launching punishing strikes on Hamas in Gaza following the 7 October 2023 attack. But analysts say this week's attack on Iran itself crosses a threshold. Also Read: Israel says over 200 targets struck in Iran as wave of air strikes continues Live Events Was Iran really on the brink of making a nuclear bomb? Israeli officials claim the timing of the attack was based on intelligence that Iran was near weapons capability. The IAEA 's latest 22-page report, however, paints a more ambiguous picture. While it highlights Iran's growing stockpile of enriched uranium and lack of cooperation with inspectors, it offers no evidence of an active nuclear weapons programme. US intelligence assessments, too, remain cautious. 'Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is at its highest levels and is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons,' Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told the Senate in March. But she added that Iran was not currently 'actively pursuing a nuclear weapon.' Iran's stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium, now at 408.6kg, could be sufficient for nine bombs depending on the design — though it falls short of the 90% enrichment needed for a weapon. The IAEA called this a 'serious concern' but noted Iran's claims that enrichment serves only peaceful purposes. Undermining diplomacy? The timing of the strike — just days before US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman — raised questions about Israel's intentions. Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on Foreign Relations said, 'It is clear their timing and large-scale nature was intended to completely derail talks.' Netanyahu has long opposed negotiations. He labelled the 2015 Iran nuclear deal 'a historic mistake' and welcomed Donald Trump's 2018 withdrawal from it. Since then, Iran's nuclear activity has accelerated, and diplomatic talks have faltered. While Trump initially cautioned against military escalation, he later posted on Truth Social calling for a deal, saying: 'There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter... come to an end.' US role and risks ahead Despite Trump's public hesitations, officials say the US president had been kept informed of Israel's plans. A source told reporters: 'The US was in the know all along.' Eyal Zamir, Israel's military chief of staff, said the operation could not be delayed. 'We cannot afford to wait for another time to operate, we have no other choice,' he said. 'Recent and past events of history have taught us that when the enemy is attempting to destroy us, we must not turn a blind eye.' But the military and political risks are high. Iran still has a substantial missile arsenal and has threatened to retaliate not just against Israel but also against US forces in the region. There are also fears that Hezbollah, though weakened, may now be pressured to launch attacks, alongside Iran-backed militants in Yemen and Iraq. Israel-Iran: A region on edge The strike may have received tacit US approval. A source familiar with the situation said, 'The US was in the know all along.' Analysts believe Netanyahu was emboldened by past military gains and Washington's relative silence. But the operation carries major risks. Iran retains a large arsenal of ballistic missiles and has vowed to retaliate — not only against Israel but also against US interests in the region. Although Israeli and allied forces intercepted missile barrages last year, officials now warn of a more powerful Iranian response. There are fears that Hezbollah could re-engage, along with Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen. 'If the exchanges escalated into a protracted conflict with heavy casualties, public opinion could shift,' said Nadav Shtrauchler, a political consultant and former adviser to Netanyahu. Inside Israel, the immediate response has been one of unity. Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Yair Golan supported the strikes, despite having recently tried to unseat Netanyahu's government. But longer-term questions remain. Without direct US military involvement, can Israel's strike permanently halt Iran's programme? Or will it merely delay it? Even Netanyahu's critics acknowledge the operation may reshape his legacy. Since the shock of 7 October, Netanyahu has faced intense criticism. He has since dubbed the conflict a 'war of redemption,' seeking to reclaim authority lost during Israel's intelligence and defence lapses. 'I don't know if this will be a game-changer strategically,' Bushinsky said. 'Maybe the Iranians will claim their programme was barely hit... But for the way Netanyahu will be remembered, I think it is a game-changer.' 'It won't erase his responsibility for the [failures] on October 7. But it will remove some of the stains.'
The Herald Scotland
29-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Iranian man pleads guilty to 2019 Baltimore ransomware attack
He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced in August, the Justice Department announced. Gholinejad and unidentified co-conspirators were behind a string of ransomware attacks between January 2019 and March 2024, according to an April 2024 indictment unsealed on May 27. The Justice Department said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators encrypted files on the targeted networks with the Robbinhood ransomware variant to extort ransom payments. The conspirators compromised the computer networks of health care organizations, corporations, and other entities across the United States, according to the Justice Department. The cyberattacks also targeted several U.S. cities, including Baltimore in the high-profile 2019 ransomware attack, and caused "significant disruptions" to essential city services, federal authorities said. The Justice Department added that the conspirators "used the damage they caused these cities to threaten subsequent victims." Though court documents did not allege a state-backed connection in this case, federal authorities have warned in recent years of Iranian government hacking groups targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and private-sector entities. Federal agencies have also issued numerous advisories for cyberattacks by foreign groups, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In November 2023, an Iranian-linked cyber group, Cyber Av3ngers, hacked into the water authority infrastructure in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The group took partial control of a system that regulates water pressure, and one that includes technology manufactured in Israel. At the time, federal authorities said the group was looking to disrupt Israeli-made technology in the United States. Here's how to stay protected. Officials warn against dangerous Medusa ransomware attacks. Conspirators used hacking tools to gain access to computer networks Federal authorities said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators gained unauthorized access to computer networks with hacking tools. They copied, transmitted, and stored information and files from the infected victim networks to virtual private servers controlled by the conspirators, according to the indictment. The conspirators also deployed Robbinhood ransomware on targeted computers to encrypt files and make them inaccessible to the victims, the indictment states. They then extorted victims by requiring the payment of Bitcoin in exchange for the private key used to decrypt the victims' computer files. The Justice Department said the conspirators attempted to launder the ransom payments through cryptocurrency mixing services and by moving assets between different types of cryptocurrencies. According to the indictment, the conspirators concealed their identities and activities through various methods, such as the use of virtual private networks and servers that they controlled. The attack on Baltimore in 2019 cost the city more than $19 million from damage to computer networks and disruptions to city services that lasted many months, including the processing of property taxes, water bills, parking citations, and other revenue-generating functions, the Justice Department said. Additional victims include computer networks in the cities of Gresham, Oregon; Yonkers, New York; and Greenville, North Carolina, along with the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District in California and the nonprofit Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, based in New York, according to the indictment. "Gholinejad and his co-conspirators -- all of whom were overseas -- caused tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupted essential public services by deploying the Robbinhood ransomware against U.S. cities, health care organizations, and businesses," Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, said in a statement. "The ransomware attack against the City of Baltimore forced the city to take hundreds of computers offline and prevented the city from performing basic functions for months," Galeotti added. Contributing: Claire Thornton, USA TODAY; Reuters
