Iran orders citizens to delete WhatsApp, accuses Meta of spying for Israel

In a dramatic escalation of its information war, Iran has ordered citizens to delete WhatsApp, claiming Meta, the U.S. tech giant behind the messaging app, is handing user data to Israeli intelligence.

The explosive accusation came via Iran’s state broadcaster, which alleged that WhatsApp and Instagram are harvesting user contacts, locations, and metadata—then “tagging names” and delivering them to the Zionist enemy.

No evidence was provided to support the claims.

Meta hit back within hours, labeling the allegations “completely false.” In a statement, WhatsApp stressed its commitment to user privacy, saying:

“All messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one—including WhatsApp—can read them. We’re concerned these false reports will be used to justify blocking access at a critical time.”

Meta also clarified it does not store or share messages, nor does it track precise user locations or have any agreement to provide “bulk information” to any government.

As the claims spread, nationwide internet outages have intensified. Websites crash, calls drop, and messages fail to deliver.

Analysts point to intentional government restrictions, likely aimed at controlling information flow during a tense military standoff with both Israel and the United States.

Some experts believe Iran is also bracing for potential cyberattacks from Israel, prompting a preemptive communication blackout.

WhatsApp and Instagram remain Iran’s most used apps, even under constant censorship. Observers say Tehran’s sudden tech crackdown isn’t about encryption—it’s about controlling narratives as military threats loom.

“The real story is the government trying to silence communication while rallying citizens for what could be a regional war,” said one Iranian digital rights activist.

As tensions surge, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a fiery warning to the U.S. on Wednesday, declaring:

“Any American military entry will undoubtedly be met with irreparable damage.”

Khamenei’s statement followed President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post, in which he branded Khamenei an “easy target” and demanded “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

While Trump said he had no plans to assassinate the Iranian leader—“at least not for now”—his rhetoric marked a dramatic hardening of U.S. policy amid speculation of deeper involvement in Israel’s offensive against Iran.

Iran’s WhatsApp warning is about far more than privacy—it’s a strategic move in a broader campaign to control dissent, prevent leaks, and fortify domestic unity as global war clouds gather.

With geopolitical stakes rising, and Meta in Tehran’s crosshairs, digital communication is now as much a battlefield as the skies over the Middle East.

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