Aref’s Reaction to Cyber Attacks on the Country’s Fuel Distribution System
The First Vice President of Iran criticized the vulnerability of the fuel distribution system to cyber attacks, saying there has been negligence in this area.
On Sunday, September 9th, Mohammad Reza Aref emphasized during the introduction ceremony of the Minister of Oil that for two consecutive years the fuel distribution system suffered cyber attacks, and the attack in the second year was similar to the first year, indicating serious negligence in this area and questioning who is accountable for such incidents.
Mr. Aref’s reference is to the widespread disruption in Iran’s fuel supply network due to cyber attacks in the years 2021 and 2023, both of which occurred during Ebrahim Raisi’s administration.
On December 18, 2023, starting around 10 AM, refueling operations at some fuel stations were halted.
The officials of the Islamic Republic immediately attributed the attacks to foreign elements, but the hacking group ‘Predatory Sparrow’ claimed responsibility for these attacks.
Last year’s cyber attacks resulted in many fuel stations being shut down and gasoline being distributed offline.