Large-scale cyberattack paralyzes Iran's banking system
[96476] Large-scale cyberattack paralyzes Iran's banking system
Severe disruptions to online and physical banking services in Iran due to a cyberattack, leading authorities to shut down card services at major banks.
Cyberattack paralyzes Iran's banking system
The banking system in Iran experienced widespread disruptions today (June 23, 2026), which were defined by official sources as the result of cyberattacks. Reports indicate a partial or complete collapse of banking services, including cash withdrawals at ATMs, payments at point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and activity in banking apps.
According to an official statement by the Informatics Services Company, card-based services at Melli, Saderat, and Tejarat banks were proactively shut down to "prevent unauthorized access and protect customer data." However, channels such as یِ دانش آموز and FarsiOfficialX reported that the disruptions spread to additional banks, including Mellat, Keshavarzi, Sepah, Day, and Blu.
The spokesperson for the Iranian Gas Station Association instructed the public to carry cash for refueling, as "the chance of a successful electronic payment is very low." At the same time, the Iranian Minister of Communications announced that communication service provision to customers would not be stopped due to non-payment of bills until the systems return to normal operation.
While state media focuses on the technical handling of the breach, critical sources like Hut News offered an alternative interpretation, wondering if this is a deliberate move by the regime to "prevent withdrawals for the purpose of purchasing foreign currency and gold." Iran International, an opposition channel operating outside Iran, reported growing frustration among customers unable to perform basic financial transfers, adding that this is a large-scale disruption affecting the stability of trade in the country.