France says Iran behind cyberattacks on supermarket fridges

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has accused Iran of conducting a series of "unprecedented" cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems in France. Speaking at a G7 meeting in Paris, Barrot stated that "thanks to the outstanding work of the government departments, I am able to confirm that responsibility for this attack lies with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards." He added that the French government will impose sanctions at the European level against those responsible.

The cyberattacks affected 700 food distribution sites across France. Shortly after the announcement, French prosecutors confirmed they were initiating an investigation into the hacks. While Barrot's statement was specific to the incidents reported in France, grocery stores in Europe, as well as French blood banks, have been targeted by hackers in recent days.

Cybersecurity experts had previously expressed concerns that these attacks could be part of Russia's broader hybrid warfare against Europe, although the Russian government has denied any involvement.