Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected France’s accusation Tuesday that Tehran was responsible for cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems, AFP reported, as Paris sought European sanctions and the European Union said it would consult member states on a response.
The ministry described France’s allegation as “baseless and one-sided” and accused Paris of projecting its own governance problems. It said Tehran could respond to what it called unlawful foreign activity to protect its national interests and security.
AFP reported that the attacks on Oct. 11 and 12 affected hundreds of French supermarkets. Temperatures rose in refrigerators and freezers, forcing some stores to discard perishable food. Comparable incidents were reported across at least 11 more European countries in early November, AFP reported.
France has attributed the supermarket attacks to Iran, as EconoTimes previously reported. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Paris would summon Iran’s ambassador and seek European-level sanctions. He also said France could take further steps it considered proportionate and necessary to deter additional attacks.
The European Union said it would seek a coordinated response after discussions with member states. The consultations were the next step announced by the bloc.
