China and Russia have long suspected the United States of launching cyber attacks against other nations. According to the New York Times- it’s true. A report says, the US launched a cyber attack on Iran -temporarily at least, causing widespread problems with its growing nuclear program.
Earlier this year, Iranian president showed off the countries nuclear capability.
What he, and the world didn’t know - was that at the same time the U-S was behind a punishing cyber-attack - a super sophisticated computer virus that wormed its way into the brains of Iran’s nuclear operation at the secret Natanz site.
According the the New York Times - the cyber assault wreaked havoc - temporarily shutting down 20-percent of Iran’s centrifuge capability.
The US only recently admitted developing cyber weapons --but has not admitted to using them.
The virus -codenamed "Olympic Games" -was apparently started under George W. Bush’s administration. but President Obama apparently ramped up U.S. cyber-attack capability upon taking office.
An element of what amounted to a "digital missile" became public in 2010 - prompting Obama to ask a high level meeting, "Should we shut this thing down.. "
The Times says it was unclear how much Iran knew about the code --and it was clearly still causing problems so the attack continued unabated.
It’s unclear how much damage, or to what degree, "Olympic Games" derailed Iran’s nuclear program.
The Obama administration suspects as much as two years. Outside experts are skeptical.
However, it’s clear the virus hindered Iran’s nuclear plans --and more than likely kept Israel from launching a pre-emptive military strike against Iran that very well could have inflamed tension throughout the region.