US charges 17 Iranians in large-scale cyber theft campaign

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against 17 Iranian nationals for allegedly running a wide-ranging cyber data theft campaign targeting universities, companies and government agencies. According to the department, the defendants targeted 144 universities in the United States and 178 universities abroad, along with 42 companies and various government institutions. Investigators said more than 31 terabytes of academic data and intellectual property were seized as part of the operation. The Justice Department said portions of the cyberattacks were carried out on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, government entities and Iranian universities. No additional details on arrests or extradition were immediately provided. Separately, separate reporting referenced renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran following the suspension of diplomatic talks, with both sides exchanging accusations and leaving questions over the Strait of Hormuz and maritime security unresolved.