Western leaders condemn Iranian attacks on commercial vessels

The United States Department of Justice said on Thursday it had seized four internet domains linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), in a court‑approved effort to disrupt “cyber‑enabled psychological operations” and transnational repression activities.

The move comes amid allegations that Tehran uses online platforms to post stolen data, claim hacking attacks, and incite violence against journalists, dissidents, and Israeli individuals, DOJ said in a statement.

The Justice Department said the seized websites had been used to further psychological operations targeting perceived adversaries of the Iranian regime, including by publishing sensitive information obtained through hacks and encouraging attacks against critics.

The operation highlights growing US concerns over Tehran’s use of cyber tools not only for espionage and disruption but also to influence and intimidate foreign audiences and civil society actors, in line with what officials describe as a broader pattern of malign Iranian cyber activity.

The Israel Air Force said on Thursday it carried out dozens of attack sorties over western and central Iran in the past day, striking more than 130 sites belonging to what it described as the “Iranian terror regime,” including ballistic missile launchers, unmanned aircraft, and air defense systems.

The Air Force said the operations aim to reduce potential attacks on Israeli territory and expand air superiority over Iranian airspace.

Iran’s mission to UN in Vienna on Thursday criticized IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi for comments on the location of Iran’s nuclear materials and facilities, calling them “deeply troubling."

In a post on X, the mission warned that any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive safeguards information could violate obligations under the International Atomic Energy Agency framework.

Grossi said on Wednesday that the agency does not know the status of the new Iranian enrichment facility located in an underground nuclear complex in Isfahan.

“It is underground, but we haven't visited it yet,” he said, speaking during a trip to Washington for a conference and meetings with officials from the administration of Donald Trump.

Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff said General Ebrahim Jabbari “has no responsibility in the IRGC,” contradicting an earlier report by IRGC-affiliated Fars News that described him as an adviser to the force’s chief commander.

In a statement, the military rejected comments attributed to Jabbari especially in a recent interview with Al Jazeera, saying, “The statements made by Ebrahim Jabbari lack credibility due to insufficient access to information and are denied."

"He currently holds no position in the IRGC and has been retired for some time.”

"The United States cannot gain control over the Strait of Hormuz," Jabbari told Al Jazeera, adding that "the warehouses are full of missiles, drones, and military equipment."

Jabbari has been appearing on Iran's state TV over the past few weeks, threatening the United States and Israel as well as Iran's Arab neighbors.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday described remarks by Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister at an Arab-Islamic meeting as “unfair, one-sided and contrary to a responsible approach” to regional developments.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan warned Thursday that Riyadh's restraint in the face of escalating Iranian attacks “is not unlimited,” adding that military action remains on the table.

He said the “little trust” rebuilt with Iran after the 2023 restoration of diplomatic ties “has been completely shattered,” warning that further attacks could leave “almost nothing” to salvage in the relationship.

Esmail Baghaei said in response that countries hosting US military infrastructure could bear responsibility for the ongoing attacks on Iran, warning that states that assist or facilitate such operations would be regarded as “accomplices” in actions against Iran.