France Summons Iranian Ambassador Over Supermarket Cyberattacks, Warns of Possible Retaliation
PARIS, November 10, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - France summoned Iran's ambassador on Tuesday over cyberattacks that disrupted refrigeration systems in hundreds of French supermarkets last month, warning that Paris could impose European sanctions and take additional cyber measures against those responsible, Reuters reported.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of orchestrating the attacks, which affected commercial refrigeration equipment across France in October.
The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Iranian ambassador had been received on Tuesday morning following a diplomatic summons announced the previous day.
Speaking to France Info television, Barrot described the incidents as an unprecedented cyberattack against France and said the government would seek European Union sanctions targeting those responsible.
He also warned that Paris was considering further measures under its national cyberdefence framework, including possible actions that would not be publicly disclosed.
Barrot said any response would be assessed according to its proportionality and effectiveness in deterring future attacks.
Iran's Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations against the Revolutionary Guards, describing them as baseless and hostile.
The cyberattacks, which struck hundreds of French supermarkets in early October, interfered with refrigeration systems and caused widespread disruption to commercial operations.
The incidents were among the most significant reported cyber disruptions since the outbreak of the war involving Iran in February, which has been accompanied by suspected cyber operations targeting infrastructure and commercial systems.
Other incidents during the conflict have included cyberattacks affecting public transportation systems in Los Angeles in March and water treatment facilities in the United States in July.
Relations between France and Iran have remained strained over Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, its regional activities and diplomatic disputes involving French nationals.
Tensions intensified during the summer after Iranian authorities detained and subsequently expelled two French diplomats, prompting retaliatory expulsions by Paris.
French officials have also accused Tehran of adopting an increasingly hostile position toward France, particularly over French support for Iranian civil society.
The latest diplomatic confrontation adds cybersecurity to the disputes between Paris and Tehran as France considers European-level sanctions and other possible responses.
Source: Reuters
