ZeroFox Intelligence Flash Report - Iran Situation Update

January 27, 2026|by Alpha Team

In this Flash report, ZeroFox researchers report on the current situation surrounding Iranian anti-government protests.

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The Iranian government is reportedly conducting a brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests. Media reports have stated the death toll is as high as 35,000 protestors; however, human rights researchers have thus far confirmed approximately 6,000 are dead, with at least 18,000 deaths still under investigation.
In response to the crackdown, the United States has moved an aircraft carrier and several destroyers into the region. This likely indicates a U.S. intention to force Iran to ease the crackdown measures, stop executing protesters, and establish a more peaceful stance towards its neighbors in the Middle East. If Iran does not comply, it is very likely that a U.S. military strike will occur in the next two weeks.
Anti-regime activists briefly took control of Iran’s state-run television to broadcast calls for further protests, and Iranian-backed threat actor collective “Handala Hack” used Starlink to conduct attacks against Israeli targets—despite a nationwide internet shutdown.
Regardless of any military responses, cyber operations targeting Iran are almost certain to continue—and will likely increase—for the foreseeable future. Both the United States and Israel likely view the government in Iran as weak and are very likely to use cyber warfare to disrupt Iran’s repression apparatus.

Tags: tlp:clear, geo-political, malware