Iran Hacks Knesset Website Rejects Nuclear Deal Plans Realiation

THE EARLY PHOENIX

IRAN

August 26, 2024

Iranian Hackers Allegedly Breach Knesset Website, Claim Data Theft

An Iranian hacker group named “Promised Revenge” claimed responsibility for infiltrating the Knesset’s website, purporting to steal sensitive data and sending mass SMS messages to Israeli citizens. They posted purported evidence of their access on their Telegram channel, showing screenshots allegedly from the Knesset’s internal network. Despite these claims, the Knesset’s spokesperson denied any data breach. The website experienced temporary downtime, showing a maintenance message while the Knesset’s Cyber Department, in collaboration with the National Cyber Directorate, continues its security investigations.

Meta Blocks Iranian Hackers Targeting U.S. Election via WhatsApp

Meta has intervened against a group of Iranian-linked hackers who were impersonating tech support on WhatsApp to influence the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election. This small cohort of accounts, linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, targeted individuals associated with the Biden and Trump administrations. The actions follow reports from Microsoft and Google about similar phishing efforts directed at these political figures, reflecting a coordinated attempt to sway electoral outcomes.

Iran’s New FM Rejects Reviving Old Nuclear Deal, Seeks Fresh Talks

Iran’s newly appointed Foreign Minister has declared the original 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), impractical to revive in its existing format. Citing substantial changes since the deal’s inception, he noted that while the agreement could serve as a foundation for future discussions, new negotiations are imperative. The minister, instrumental in the initial negotiations, also stressed Iran’s aim to manage rather than eliminate tensions with the U.S., prioritizing national security and dignity in its foreign policy approach.

Iran Detains 14 Daesh Members in Multi-Province Security Operations

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry claims the arrest of 14 ISIS affiliates across Tehran, Alborz, Fars, and Khuzestan provinces on Friday. Labeling the detainees as part of the “American-Zionist grouplet known as Daesh-Khorasan,” the ministry highlighted their external affiliations. These individuals allegedly entered Iran illegally, intending to execute terrorist activities. The operation successfully thwarted potential attacks, with seven of the members captured in Fars Province alone.

Iran Signals Retaliatory Strike on Israel as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Stumble

The Chief-Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami, hinted at an impending retaliatory strike against Israel, intensifying speculations of Iran’s planned revenge for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Cairo, Iranian officials maintain their stance on Iran’s “legitimate right to respond.” Reports suggest the retaliation could coincide with the conclusion of the Arba’een pilgrimage, positioning Hezbollah for a possible attack in the near future.

Iran Faces Record High in Returned Checks Due to Economic Strain

Iran’s economic challenges are reflected in a new report from the Central Bank of Iran, which showed that returned checks hit a record high of 1,000 trillion rials (approximately $1.7 billion USD) in July 2024. This marks the highest volume and value of returned checks since May 2020, with 10.6% of all checks issued being returned by volume and 15.7% by value. Over 30% of these were in Tehran, signaling deepening economic difficulties despite last year’s reported 4.5% growth—driven largely by government spending and oil revenues. With oil production growth stalling, the IMF projects a slowdown in GDP growth to 3.3% for 2024.

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