Iran-Linked Hackers Target U.S. Fuel Systems

American officials warned Friday that hackers linked to Iran have intensified cyberattacks against U.S. energy infrastructure, including fuel distribution systems and gas stations, raising fears of disruptions similar to previous attacks on critical energy networks.

CNN reported that federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, issued alerts after multiple oil, gas and water facilities in the United States experienced cyber intrusions in recent weeks.

According to officials cited in the report, several facilities were forced to switch from automated systems to manual operations after hackers targeted internet-connected industrial control systems used to manage pipelines, fuel pumps and other critical infrastructure.

Fuel systems become cyber battleground

Cybersecurity experts said fuel infrastructure has become a major target because disruptions can quickly create public panic and economic pressure.

The attacks reportedly focused on programmable logic controllers — devices that allow machinery and fuel systems to communicate and operate automatically. Experts warned hackers gaining access to such systems could potentially cause physical damage or operational shutdowns.

The warnings revived memories of previous cyberattacks on fuel systems in both Iran and the United States.

In 2021, a major cyberattack crippled thousands of gas stations across Iran, causing nationwide fuel shortages and long lines at pumps. Iranian officials later blamed foreign adversaries, including Israel and the United States.

Iran has also faced repeated attacks against its railway systems, industrial facilities and fuel infrastructure over the past several years.

Conflict expands into cyberspace

U.S. officials and private analysts say the latest cyber campaign reflects a broader expansion of the Iran conflict into cyberspace.

Because Iran cannot directly strike most American territory militarily, cyberattacks offer Tehran and affiliated groups an alternative way to pressure U.S. infrastructure and public confidence.

Several Iran-linked hacker groups have become increasingly active during the war, including the “Handala” group, which U.S. officials say has targeted American companies, government officials and critical infrastructure.

Federal agencies warned operators of fuel, water and energy facilities to strengthen cybersecurity protections, especially for internet-connected industrial systems vulnerable to remote intrusion.

Officials fear wider disruption

Although no nationwide fuel outage has yet been reported, experts warned even limited attacks on gas stations or fuel distribution systems could trigger localized shortages and panic buying.

The concerns echo the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, which caused fuel shortages across large parts of the U.S. East Coast after pipeline operations were temporarily shut down.

Cybersecurity analysts said the current threat environment is more dangerous because the attacks are unfolding during an active geopolitical conflict involving the United States, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.