France Accuses Iran of Massive Cyberattack on 700 Supermarkets as Tehran Denies Responsibility and Paris Threatens Retaliation

France has accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of orchestrating a massive cyberattack against refrigeration systems at approximately 700 supermarkets and retail locations. The October 11–12 operation reportedly caused extensive food losses, equipment damage and at least 15 fires. French authorities described the incident as an unprecedented attack on civilian infrastructure.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned Tehran on November 9 that the cyberattack would not go unanswered. He described the operation as unprecedented in its scale and aggression, emphasizing the threat posed to French national security. Paris announced plans to summon Iran’s ambassador and pursue sanctions against those identified as responsible.

The attackers reportedly gained remote access to industrial refrigeration controllers, activating abnormal defrost cycles and raising temperatures to approximately 50 degrees Celsius. Supermarket chains including Carrefour, Intermarché, E.Leclerc, Monoprix and Coopérative U were affected. The disruption forced retailers to discard substantial quantities of perishable goods and temporarily close refrigerated sections.

The cyberattack reportedly caused at least 15 fires and destroyed food inventories worth tens of millions of euros. Intermarché was among the hardest-hit retailers, reporting substantial financial losses. The incident demonstrated how cyber intrusions can produce physical consequences when attackers manipulate industrial equipment rather than simply steal information or disable websites.

French cybersecurity authorities attributed the operation to Shahid Kaveh, a hacking unit allegedly linked to the Revolutionary Guards. Investigators cited Iranian-associated internet infrastructure, traces of Farsi and similarities with previous cyber operations. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau opened a formal investigation, while authorities sought international arrest warrants against suspected members of the organization.

Additional incidents involving supermarket refrigeration systems were reported across Europe on November 2, including in Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, Luxembourg and Sweden. The disruptions raised concerns about coordinated attacks on essential commercial infrastructure. However, French authorities have not publicly established that Iran or Shahid Kaveh was responsible for these separate European incidents.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry categorically denied responsibility for the French cyberattacks on November 10, describing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Tehran criticized France’s accusatory approach and warned that it would take measures considered necessary to defend its national interests. The government rejected any suggestion that Iranian authorities had directed the supermarket sabotage.

France summoned Iran’s ambassador to deliver a formal diplomatic protest while preparing additional measures against those allegedly responsible. Speaking to Franceinfo, Barrot warned, «I can also tell you that we rule nothing out and will take all measures — including those we may not disclose publicly — that we deem proportionate and necessary to deter any further attacks.»

Paris is seeking European Union sanctions against Iranian individuals and organizations allegedly involved in the cyberattack. Barrot also suggested that France could adopt additional measures without publicly disclosing their nature. Although no retaliatory cyber operation has been confirmed, the warning reflects growing concern about foreign interference with civilian infrastructure and essential services.

Canada announced the reimposition of sanctions against 11 Iranian entities on November 10, targeting activities associated with nuclear proliferation, ballistic missiles and financing networks. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand declared, «Canada’s position is unequivocal: Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.» Ottawa’s measures are separate from France’s proposed cyberattack sanctions.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump indicated that Washington would temporarily refrain from additional military strikes against Iran following appeals from Gulf countries. However, the American naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz remains in place. «We’ll see where it goes,» Trump told Reuters. «I’m prepared.» The developments highlight continuing diplomatic, military and economic pressure on Tehran.