Iran Probes Cyber Role In Fires Across Gas FacilitiesIran Probes Cyber Role In Fires Across Gas Facilities

Iran’s Supreme National Cyberspace Council is investigating the possibility that a string of explosions and fires at the country’s petroleum facilities was the result of cyberattacks, reports Time. The incidents caused damages in millions of dollars and loss of lives.

“Special teams will be sent to the afflicted sites to study the possibility of cyber systems having a role in the recent fires,” said Council secretary Abolhasan Firoozabadi, local media reported.

Initially, the Petroleum Ministry had denied the possibility of sabotage, but was forced to initiate investigations when the mishaps continued for weeks.

If confirmed, this will not be the first incident of a cyberattack on Iran’s petroleum industry. It has twice been targeted by hackers in the past and both the times US was thought to be involved.

Read more on Time.