DOJ says it shut down websites that threatened dissidents and took credit for hacks

The Justice Department shut down four websites allegedly operated by Iranian government-linked groups that posted hacked material and issued threats against regime critics. The move targets what U.S. authorities characterize as a coordinated Iranian campaign to intimidate opposition figures and dissidents through public intimidation and leaked data. The action reflects the Trump administration's effort to counter what it views as malicious foreign cyber operations targeting vulnerable political targets. Such takedowns typically involve cooperation with internet service providers and domain registrars to seize control of the sites. The operation underscores rising U.S.-Iran tensions over cyber operations, particularly those targeting civil society figures and activists.