From disabling communications to broadcasting propaganda, digital attacks became a force multiplier for real-world military strikes
Modern warfare increasingly blends kinetic strikes with cyber operations.
Recent reports suggest that U.S. and Israeli cyber activities played a key supporting role during the early stages of the conflict with Iran—disrupting communications, gathering intelligence, and conducting psychological operations alongside traditional military attacks.
The campaign began Saturday with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes across Iran, targeting both military and civilian sites. Among the casualties were Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, while attacks on other locations reportedly caused civilian deaths, including 168 people at a girls’ school.
Cyber Operations Disrupted Iran’s Defenses
One of the clearest confirmations of cyber involvement came from Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.
According to Caine, coordinated cyber and space operations disrupted Iranian communications and sensor systems ahead of the airstrikes.
The goal was straightforward.
- Disable surveillance systems
- Break command-and-control networks
- Prevent Iran from coordinating an effective response
In Caine’s words, the objective was to “disrupt, disorient and confuse the enemy.”
Think of it as temporarily blinding an opponent before the first punch lands.
Broadcasts Hijacked for Psychological Operations
Cyber tactics also appeared in information warfare.
After Israeli forces bombed facilities belonging to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the broadcasts were reportedly hijacked.
Instead of regular programming, viewers saw speeches from Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Iranians to oppose their government.
The incident highlighted how state media infrastructure can be weaponized during conflict, turning television networks into tools of psychological pressure.
A similar hack targeting an Iranian TV channel reportedly occurred earlier in January.
Surveillance Through Hacked Traffic Cameras
Cyber espionage also appears to have aided intelligence gathering.
According to the Financial Times, Israeli operatives reportedly accessed Tehran’s traffic camera network, which helped track movements during operations targeting Iranian leadership.
Sources told the publication that Israeli intelligence had maintained access to these systems for years.
The infiltration allegedly extended beyond cameras.
Reports suggest deep penetration of Iranian mobile networks, enabling surveillance of communications across the capital.
Messaging Through a Hacked Prayer App
Another cyber incident targeted BadeSaba Calendar, a widely used Iranian prayer application.
Hackers reportedly breached the app and pushed political messages directly to users.
One message urged security forces to abandon the government.
“For the freedom of our Iranian brothers and sisters… lay down your weapons or join the forces of liberation.”
The operation appeared designed as psychological warfare, aimed at influencing government supporters or security forces.
Iran’s Cyber Response Remains Limited
So far, Iranian government hackers have appeared relatively quiet, according to reporting by Bloomberg.
One possible explanation: the internet inside Iran has been heavily restricted, limiting the ability to conduct offensive cyber operations abroad.
Another possibility is strategic caution—cyber retaliation can escalate conflicts quickly.
The Real Role of Cyber Warfare
Despite the dramatic examples, cyber operations likely played a supporting rather than decisive role in the conflict.
Military analysts often note that bombs, missiles, and aircraft still determine battlefield outcomes.
Cyber tools mainly serve as force multipliers, helping gather intelligence, disrupt systems, and shape narratives.
There’s also a strategic messaging component.
Governments sometimes emphasize cyber capabilities publicly to intimidate adversaries and demonstrate technological dominance.
A similar pattern emerged earlier this year in Venezuela, where officials suggested U.S. hackers caused power outages during an operation targeting President Nicolás Maduro.
Subsequent analysis indicated the outages were more likely caused by airstrikes on electrical infrastructure, not cyberattacks.
Warfare in the Digital Age
Even if cyber operations rarely win wars on their own, their influence is growing.
From hacked surveillance networks to hijacked media channels, digital tools are increasingly embedded in military strategy.
The result is a new battlefield—one where servers, satellites, and software can shape events on the ground.
TL;DR:
Reports suggest U.S. and Israeli cyber operations supported the early stages of the war with Iran, disrupting communications, hacking TV broadcasts, accessing surveillance cameras, and sending propaganda through a popular prayer app. While cyber tools played a role, experts say traditional military strikes likely remained the decisive factor.
AI summary
- Cyber operations reportedly disrupted Iranian communications and sensors
- Israeli forces allegedly accessed Tehran traffic camera networks
- Iranian state TV broadcasts were hijacked for propaganda
- Hackers sent messages through Iran’s BadeSaba prayer app
- Experts say cyber operations likely supported, not replaced, military strikes
