Military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran have been widely visible. Officials regularly share images and videos of jets, missiles, and naval forces used in the conflict. However, far less information is available about another major battlefield — cyber-space.
Despite limited public discussion, cyber operations appear to play a major role in the ongoing conflict.
Recently, Iranian hackers claimed responsibility for a cyberattack against the US medical technology company Stryker. The incident marked one of the first high-profile digital attacks linked to the conflict.
Military officials have also hinted at cyber involvement. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, confirmed that operations extend beyond traditional battlefields.
He said military forces are carrying out strikes “from seabed to space and cyber-space.”
Cyber Operations Before the First Strike
Cyber warfare often begins long before physical attacks start. Experts say hackers may infiltrate enemy networks months or even years in advance.
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, explained that extensive planning went into identifying targets inside Iran. Cyber teams likely played a key role in gathering intelligence during this preparation.
Hackers may have targeted networks connected to Iran’s air defence systems and military communications. Access to these systems can provide valuable information before an attack.
Reports also suggest that Israeli cyber teams hacked traffic and CCTV cameras across Iran. This allowed them to build a large surveillance network and monitor daily activities of important leaders.
Security experts say internet-connected cameras provide real-time insights into streets, buildings, and movement patterns. These devices have become valuable tools in cyber warfare.
Cyber as a Support Weapon
Experts stress that cyber warfare rarely works alone. Instead, it strengthens traditional military operations.
Tal Kollender, a former Israeli military cyber defence specialist, says cyber acts as a “force multiplier.” It improves intelligence gathering and supports decisions on the battlefield.
During a press briefing after the initial strikes, General Caine said cyber and space forces acted as “first movers.” Their operations disrupted Iran’s ability to detect, communicate, and respond to attacks.
Some analysts believe communication systems may have been jammed or disabled during the operation. Such actions could prevent military commanders from warning others about incoming strikes.
Similar tactics have appeared in other conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.
Cyber Tools and Artificial Intelligence
Cyber operations may also help identify future targets. Military teams can combine cyber intelligence with satellite imagery and open-source data to locate important military systems.
Artificial intelligence tools likely assist analysts in processing this information faster. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted at this when he described intelligence officers refining methods to track Iranian military activity.
Although officials avoid revealing details, experts believe digital intelligence plays a key role in ongoing operations.
Secrecy Around Cyber Warfare
The United States and Israel have conducted cyber operations against Iran for years. Governments rarely disclose details because secrecy protects their capabilities.
One well-known example is the Stuxnet cyberattack, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in 2010. The attack damaged uranium enrichment systems and became one of the most famous cyber weapons in history.
Israel has also faced accusations of launching cyber attacks against Iranian industrial systems in recent years. Many of these incidents remain officially unconfirmed.
Experts say governments keep cyber tactics secret because revealing them could allow opponents to fix vulnerabilities or block access.
Growing Debate Over Cyber Warfare
Some analysts believe governments should speak more openly about cyber operations. Public discussion could help clarify international rules for digital warfare.
Dr Louise Marie Hurel from the Royal United Services Institute argues that cyber actions should be discussed alongside conventional military operations.
She says greater transparency could help address important questions about international law, proportionality, and the role of cyber attacks in armed conflict.
As modern warfare evolves, cyber operations are becoming an essential part of military strategy. Even when they remain hidden from public view, digital attacks continue to shape events on the battlefield.
