Iran bans use of internet-connected devices by officials and security staff – Fars

Iran’s Cyber Security Command has banned government officials and their security teams from using any devices connected to public communication or telecommunications networks, Fars news agency reported on Tuesday.

The directive follows growing concerns over the use of mobile phone tracking for targeted assassinations inside Iran. It may also aimed at preventing incidents similar to last year's pager attack by Israel against Hezbollah members.

The IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency said on Monday that Israel has used such technology to kill individuals, including nuclear scientists, during recent strikes.

Fars warned that even turning off mobile phones at sensitive locations may not prevent location tracking and recommended the use of secure, anti-tracking devices.

Separately, Tehran lawmaker Hamid Rasaei wrote on X that all officials and their associates must hand in their phones to reduce the risk of being tracked.

“The use of connected devices by officials and their security personnel is now prohibited,” Fars quoted the Cyber Security Command as saying, without specifying which government departments were affected or whether exceptions would apply.