The key facts

  • Iran's Foreign Ministry rejected France's accusations of cyberattacks on supermarkets
  • The attack on October 11–12 caused fires and spoilage of large quantities of food
  • Tehran warned it is ready to take retaliatory measures

Tehran's response to Paris's accusations

In an official statement, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described France's accusations of involvement in cyberattacks on refrigeration equipment at local supermarkets as 'completely unfounded', Gazeta.Ru reports. In the document, the Iranian side strongly condemned Paris's 'tired policy of making accusations'.

The essence of the claims and the retaliatory rhetoric

On November 9, France accused Iran of orchestrating a large-scale cyberattack on October 11–12, which led to fires and the spoilage of a significant amount of food products. In response, Tehran stated that the new allegations are intended to divert public attention from 'France's destructive policy toward Iran and Western Asia' — specifically, from hosting dozens of terrorist groups on its territory and, according to the Iranian ministry's wording, supporting the genocide of Palestinians.

Mutual accusations and Iran's warning

Iran's Foreign Ministry added that such statements reflect the weakness of French authorities, whose management systems are 'unable even to control the temperature of refrigerators,' and that Paris is attempting to shift responsibility for its own failures onto external forces. Tehran urged French leadership to direct resources toward the needs of its own citizens rather than interfering in the affairs of other countries under diplomatic cover and in the guise of cultural projects. Iran also warned that it 'will not hesitate' to take measures to protect its national interests and security.

Context

Gazeta.Ru also notes that Iranian hackers previously attacked critical infrastructure in the United States. The publication does not specify whether France presented evidence of Iran's involvement in the October attack or plans any retaliatory steps.