France summons Iran’s ambassador over cyberattack on supermarkets, threatens sanctions and response measures against Tehran
France summoned Iran’s ambassador, accusing Tehran of a cyberattack disabling refrigerators in supermarkets, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warning of potential cyber countermeasures.
Officials claimed Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were behind the October attacks affecting refrigeration systems across France.
The Iranian foreign ministry called these accusations “baseless and hostile.”
France’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the ambassador’s summoning took place on Tuesday.
Cyber response
Barrot indicated France might pursue EU sanctions, describing the attack as unprecedented.
He suggested undisclosed actions may follow.
France will take proportional measures deemed necessary to prevent future attacks and penalize responsible parties.
Barrot highlighted France’s cyberdefence options available to authorities.
The supermarket cyberattacks were among the most disruptive since the Iran conflict began, alongside attacks on the Los Angeles transit system and U.S. water plants.
Iran routinely denies involvement in cyberattacks.
Paris and Tehran relations have been tense due to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, regional activities, and the detention of French nationals.
Relations briefly improved but soured again after diplomatic expulsions over the summer.
French officials cite Tehran’s hostility over France’s support for Iranian civil society.
