Afət Ziyadqızı
An Iranian-linked hacker group has announced the suspension of its cyber operations targeting the United States.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing NBC News, that the group known as "Handala" has decided to cease its activities against U.S. targets. In a statement released via its Telegram channel, the group noted that it received specific instructions from high-level leadership to halt open confrontation with the United States. However, the group emphasized that it retains the technical capabilities to target American infrastructure in the future.
Despite the de-escalation regarding Washington, the group clarified that its cyber operations against Israel will continue unabated. The statement underscored that their "cyber war" is not bound by any military ceasefires and will persist regardless of regional diplomatic developments.
Cybersecurity experts note that groups like Handala often operate as proxies for state interests, utilizing sophisticated malware and social engineering to disrupt critical infrastructure and leak sensitive data. This sudden shift in strategy comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape where US President Donald Trump has maintained a policy of maximum pressure and heightened vigilance against state-sponsored digital threats. The move is seen by analysts as a potential tactical repositioning by Tehran-aligned actors to avoid direct escalation with the current U.S. administration while maintaining pressure on regional adversaries.
