US-Iran conflict expands to cyberattacks and military strikes

The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated into both physical and cyber domains. Following military strikes by the United States near the Strait of Hormuz—described by President Donald Trump as a response to Iranian sea mines and missile attacks on a U.S. base in Jordan—the confrontation has expanded into cyberspace.

Reports indicate that hackers linked to Iran have attempted to penetrate critical U.S. infrastructure, including water, energy, telecommunications, and automated systems. While these attempts have not yet caused major service disruptions, they represent a significant shift toward targeting civilian-facing physical processes.

Meanwhile, China maintains a complex position in the crisis. While Beijing remains a vital economic supporter of Iran through energy trade, analysts suggest China is unlikely to engage in direct confrontation with Washington. China’s reliance on diverse energy suppliers and its broader global interests suggest it will prioritize de-escalation over unconditional support for Tehran.