France FM Accuses Iran’s IRGC of Cyberattacks on 700 Supermarket Sites; Ambassador Summoned, Sanctions Announced

November 10, 2026

Paris: France has blamed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for a series of cyberattacks which targeted cooling systems in almost 700 supermarket and retail stores in the country. The Iranian ambassador was called in and warnings of sanctions were made, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.

“Following the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Paris, we know that we have identified the organisation responsible and we will apply actions,” Barrot said.

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of the Islamic Republic of Iran was responsible for the unprecedented and aggressive cyber campaign which targeted almost 700 distribution sites On October 11 and 12,” the statement posted on X by the French Foreign Minister said.

“The ambassador of Iran has been summoned and we will sanction those responsible,” he added, “We will apply appropriate and proportional actions to respond to these attacks.”

Cyberattacks On Supermarket Cooling Systems

The cyberattacks happened overnight On October 11 and 12, targeting cooling systems at over 700 retail stores in France including major supermarket chains like Carrefour, Monoprix, Intermarché and Cooperative U.

Reports said the hackers changed temperatures manually on the cooling systems.

The French Foreign Affairs Ministry said the cyberattacks caused significant damages including fires. Tens of millions of euros worth of food products and other items were damaged.

It said it was a major threat to France’s interests.

France Highlights Previous Cyber and Destructive Acts By Iran

French authorities also highlighted previous incidents by Iran.

A cyberattack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in 2023 and hostile behaviour during the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

The recent accusations have raised concerns over potential cyber threats to European infrastructure.

EU Says Will Discuss Cyberattacks On European Countries At Next Foreign Affairs Council Meeting

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting on November 16 would be an opportunity to talk about cyberattacks on European countries.

“If they are attributed, our response should be stronger,” she said.

The announcement of potential sanctions against Iran and the planned diplomatic approach follows discussions between European countries about potential cybersecurity threats.