The breaking news story that Montenegrin authorities have arrested an Iranian wanted by the FBI is a reminder that for years Iran’s proxies have used cyber attacks on US universities and businesses. These attacks have been successful, stealing sensitive data and causing billions in damage. This news ought to sound warning bells to network/data security operators across the country.[1] According to a recent FBI report…
“Working with our intelligence and law enforcement partners worldwide, the FBI has countered a diverse set of threats directed by the Iranian regime, including attempted terrorist attacks and kidnappings, espionage and foreign influence operations, cyber attacks, sanctions evasion, and illicit procurement of sensitive technology to support Iran’s military capability and nuclear program.”[2]
The Montenegrin media identified the man arrested as Amir Barati, 39 years old and a citizen of both Iran and Turkey.[3] In the AP news report cited above, Barati is said to have hacked over 150 US universities, professors’ accounts and databases causing over $3.4 billion in damage. It is clear that not all terrorism involves missiles and drones; some attacks come through the internet. To say that US attacks on Iran have been unjustified is to ignore Iran’s aggression against the US and Israel for many years.
We here at I Vote My Vote applaud the FBI and the President’s efforts to eliminate these sorts of cyber threats and to destroy Iran’s ability to wage aggressive war against the US, Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. It our hope that no deal is struck that does not eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapons production capability and that does not remove the cyber threats, as well.
References & Footnotes:
- [1] Milic, P. (2026). Iranian national sought by US on hacking charges arrested in Montenegro. Associated Press. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/montenegro-arrest-iran-us-guard-45be9031b71d6cd939745f13dee16af4
- [2] The Iran Threat. (2026). Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/the-iran-threat
- [3] Iranian wanted in US over IRGC-linked hacking case arrested in Montenegro. (2026). Iran International. Retrieved from https://www.iranintl.com/en/202606267117
