Iran and US have been fighting a silent war without bombs or bullets for over a decade
The long-running cyber conflict has also included attacks on banks, infrastructure and government systems, creating a quieter but persistent front in the broader geopolitical rivalry.
From disruption to sustained cyber campaigns
One of the first major incidents was Operation Ababil, in which Iran-linked hackers launched coordinated DDoS attacks targeting major US financial institutions and disrupted online banking services for millions of people.
This was followed by Operation Cleaver, a campaign that went beyond banks to investigate vulnerabilities in energy, aviation and transportation networks.
These operations marked a shift from disruption to large-scale reconnaissance and strategic positioning within critical systems.
Cyber activity linked to recent developments
Former CIA In an interview with MS NOW, Director John Brennan warned that Iran’s cyber capabilities are “very, very sophisticated” and could cause widespread disruption.
In a recent development, a pro-Iran hacking group claimed responsibility for hacking into FBI Director Kash Patel’s account. The group released photos, a resume and other personal documents that appeared to date back years. Many of the recordings were more than a decade old, and such attacks were generally designed to create psychological impact rather than cause operational damage, Reuters reported.
Why is this invisible war important?
Cyber operations have often intensified during periods of geopolitical tension. Unlike traditional wars, these attacks are relatively low-cost, deniable and persistent.
While Iran does not match the scale of major cyber powers, its focus on targeted disruptions and asymmetric tactics make it effective. Over time, Tehran has invested in training, malware development and coordinated operations, developing capabilities designed for precision disruption rather than dominance.
A parallel battlefield shaping the conflict
Even as military tensions dominate the headlines, this parallel digital battlefield continues to quietly evolve, shaping the broader conflict in less visible but equally important ways.
