Trump Disputes Iranian Role in Municipal Water Cyberattacks, Blames Minnesota Governor
President Trump on Friday disputed findings that Iran was behind a cyberattack on dozens of municipal water systems in Minnesota. U.S. and state investigators have stated that an Iranian operation is the most likely cause, but the president blamed the state and its Democratic governor, Tim Walz, without providing evidence during a cabinet meeting.
Investigation Details and Multi-State Impact
The New York Times reported on Thursday that U.S. and Minnesota state officials believed Iran was responsible for the security breaches affecting water systems. Shortly after, the F.B.I. announced that hackers had targeted water facilities across at least seven states, degrading water systems in the process.
Preliminary Assessments and Official Warnings
Officials cautioned in preliminary assessments that they had not definitively determined Tehran’s responsibility and that conclusions could change as data collection continues. However, federal and state officials familiar with the matter stated on Friday that nothing had surfaced to challenge the prevailing view that the hacking spree stands as one of the most significant cyberattacks of the war and a severe effort to compromise U.S. water infrastructure.
Governor Walz Responds to Accusations
Mr. Walz dismissed the president’s accusations in a social media post soon after the cabinet meeting, stating that Trump knows who is responsible and that other states were hit as well. While officials warned hackers could potentially be posing as Iranian-based to heighten tensions—a scenario former intelligence officials deemed unlikely—Mr. Walz called the incident an illustration of modern warfare.
