A hacker group reportedly linked to Iran has threatened to release additional emails allegedly stolen from allies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, reigniting cybersecurity concerns in the wake of recent geopolitical tensions.
The group, operating under the pseudonym “Robert,” told Reuters in online chats this week that they are in possession of approximately 100 gigabytes of emails tied to key Trump associates, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan, adviser Roger Stone, and former adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The hackers claimed to be organizing a sale of the material, though they declined to share specifics about its content. They previously leaked some emails to journalists ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, raising concerns over foreign interference. While the initial disclosures generated headlines, they did not alter the course of the election, which Trump won.
Among the earlier leaks was an email appearing to outline a financial arrangement between Trump and attorneys for then-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who now serves as Trump’s health secretary. Other documents referenced campaign discussions and legal negotiations with Daniels.
U.S. authorities have strongly condemned the cyber intrusion. Attorney General Pam Bondi called it “an unconscionable cyber-attack,” while FBI Director Kash Patel vowed that any individuals connected to national security breaches would be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) dismissed the hack as “digital propaganda,” alleging it was part of a coordinated smear campaign designed to discredit Trump and his inner circle.
In September 2024, the Justice Department alleged that Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards orchestrated the hacking campaign. While Tehran has historically denied involvement in cyberespionage, it has not responded to the latest claims.
The group had previously said they were stepping back from hacking activities, but resumed communications following the recent 12-day air war between Iran and Israel, which ended with U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Cybersecurity experts say Iran may now be resorting to non-military retaliation. “This is asymmetric warfare,” said Frederick Kagan of the American Enterprise Institute. “Leaking emails is unlikely to provoke further military action, but it sends a message.”
U.S. cyber officials are warning that despite Iran’s previously muted digital response during the conflict, critical infrastructure and American businesses could still be targeted in the coming weeks.
Written By Rodney Mbua
