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Iran orders citizens to delete WhatsApp and Instagram, labels them 'spyware'

Smoke plumes billow following an overnight Israeli strike on Tehran on June 17, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Smoke plumes billow following an overnight Israeli strike on Tehran on June 17, 2025. (AFP Photo)
June 17, 2025 08:57 PM GMT+03:00

Iran’s radio and television authority has issued a warning to citizens, ordering them not to use WhatsApp and Instagram.

In a statement, the agency claimed these platforms transmit users’ personal information and location data to Israel, effectively labeling them as spyware used by Iran's adversaries.

Iran has been under heavy attack by Israel. This week’s attacks exposed Iran’s weak espionage capabilities, as dozens of Mossad agents carried out major operations in the capital, Tehran.

Iran alleges Whatsapp and Instagram are used for spying

A report broadcast on Iran's state-affiliated Channel 2 alleged that the applications “facilitate Israel’s access to personal data,” ordering the public to either delete them entirely from their phones or refrain from using them temporarily.

Israeli emergency responders search for victims amid the rubble of a damaged building following an overnight Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam on June 15, 2025. Iran struck Israel early on June 15, with barrages of missiles after a massive onslaught targeted the Islamic republics nuclear, military and oil facilities, and killed several top generals. (Photo by JOHN WESSELS / AFP)
Israeli emergency responders search for victims amid the rubble of a damaged building following an overnight Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam on June 15, 2025. Iran struck Israel early on June 15, with barrages of missiles after a massive onslaught targeted the Islamic republics nuclear, military and oil facilities, and killed several top generals. (Photo by JOHN WESSELS / AFP)

On the same day, Iran’s Electronic Security Command announced a ban prohibiting state officials and security personnel from using all forms of digital communication tools.

The Iran-Israel war is escalating

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington knows "exactly" where Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is, saying he is safe "for now" while warning that "our patience is wearing thin."

"We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now," Trump said in a social media post. "But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

"UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Trumo added in a follow-up social media post.

The comments came just minutes after Trump claimed to have "complete and total control" of Iranian airspace.

A plume of heavy smoke and fire rise over an oil refinery in southern Tehran, after it was hit in an overnight Israeli strike, on June 15, 2025. Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles at Israel, state television announced early on June 15, as the rivals exchanged fire for a third day. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
A plume of heavy smoke and fire rise over an oil refinery in southern Tehran, after it was hit in an overnight Israeli strike, on June 15, 2025. Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles at Israel, state television announced early on June 15, as the rivals exchanged fire for a third day. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Escalation sparked by Israeli attacks on Iran

On June 13, Israel launched large-scale attacks on various Iranian cities, targeting nuclear facilities and senior military leadership.

The strikes killed Iran’s Chief of General Staff, the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guards, several top commanders, and nine nuclear scientists. The total civilian death toll was reported as 224.

Iran retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on Israel, resulting in 24 deaths and over 500 injuries.

June 17, 2025 09:22 PM GMT+03:00
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