Authorities of the Islamic Republic are considering potential cyber attacks against Israel as they consider their response to Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran.
Iran's delayed reaction to the July 31 incident has fueled widespread speculation and concern in the region. Pro-government media and supporters claim the delay is part of a psychological warfare strategy against Israel – while IranWire sources have suggested otherwise.
Two sources, including a diplomat and a former intelligence security official, told IranWire that Iranian authorities continue to explore options but have yet to finalize a plan.
The sources emphasize that the lack of response is not psychological warfare but a delay in determining "the most effective" form of response.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top authorities have attributed the assassination to Israel and promised "harsh revenge."
Khamenei said that Israel has "paved the way" for severe consequences and it is the Islamic Republic's "duty" to seek revenge for Haniyeh's death on Iranian soil.
According to IranWire sources, a large-scale military attack resulting in civilian casualties is not a priority for Iran.
Instead, two main options are reportedly under consideration.
The first involves launching a significant operation against Israel through militia groups in Gaza aligned with Iran.
The second option is a massive cyberattack aimed at crippling Israel's infrastructure.
In recent days, Iran’s regional neighbors as well as Western countries have urged both Iran and Israel to de-escalate tensions and have warned against large-scale military action.
Russia, through National Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, has told to Iran that any military action leading to civilian casualties would be strongly condemned. Hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens live in Israel.
The potential for a massive cyberattack, meanwhile, comes amid reports of increased hacking activities linked to the Islamic Republic.
According to the Washington Post, the FBI is investigating suspected attempts by Iranian hackers to breach the campaign headquarters of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump.
CNN also reported that Iranian hackers may have accessed the personal email account of Roger Stone, a close associate of Trump.
Despite calls for restraint from France, the UK, and Germany, Iranian officials have maintained a defiant stance.
Nasser Kanani, spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed these calls as politically illogical and contrary to international norms. He also accused Western powers of failing to object to what he termed "international crimes of the Zionist regime."
"The declaration by France, Germany and Britain, which raised no objection to the international crimes of the Zionist regime, brazenly asks Iran to take no deterrent action against a regime which has violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said in a statement.
Haniyeh's killing, which happened during his visit to Iran for President Masoud Pezeshkian's inauguration, has heightened tensions in an already volatile region.
Iran and its allies have held Israel responsible for Haniyeh's death, though Israel has not commented on the allegations.
The Hamas leader was killed shortly after an Israeli strike in Beirut claimed the life of a senior Hezbollah commander, further inflaming regional tensions.
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