The seizure of four internet domains linked to Iran's cyber activities has been announced by the Justice Department. These domains include Justicehomeland.org and Handala-Hack.to, which were utilized by a hacker group connected to Iran's Intelligence Ministry. This group has claimed responsibility for a recent cyberattack targeting a U.S. medical technology firm.
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel initiated air strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory actions from Iranian forces against various U.S. interests in the Middle East. In the wake of these hostilities, an Iran-aligned group claimed its first significant hacking operation against an American entity. The Handala Team has publicly acknowledged its role in the attack, sharing details on social media platforms.
The Justice Department highlighted that the hacker group used their domains to disclose sensitive information, including personal details of around 190 individuals affiliated with the Israeli military. Additionally, threats were directed at Iranian dissidents both within the U.S. and abroad. FBI officials emphasized that they are committed to countering cyber threats posed by the Iranian regime, which they accuse of exploiting digital platforms to further authoritarian aims and jeopardize security.
Since the onset of the conflict, the Iranian Red Crescent Society reports over 1,200 fatalities in Iran alone due to strikes. Overall, more than 2,000 deaths have been confirmed across the Middle East, affecting various countries including Lebanon and Israel.