Skip to content
CIA Uses Pegasus Spyware in Deceptive Rescue Operation in Iran

CIA Uses Pegasus Spyware in Deceptive Rescue Operation in Iran

First seen 13 Apr 2026, 17:06 UTC

Article Content

Browse articles
ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster April 14, 2026 at 17:01 UTC
  • CIA used Pegasus spyware to mislead Iranian forces during a rescue operation.
  • The operation involved over 150 aircraft and hundreds of special forces personnel.
  • Experts question the feasibility of detecting a heartbeat from miles away.

The CIA deployed Pegasus spyware during a rescue mission to mislead Iranian forces regarding a downed American airman. The operation involved sending false messages to Iranian leadership, suggesting the airman had been located. This tactic was part of a broader mission involving over 150 aircraft and hundreds of special forces personnel. The use of Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, allowed operatives to send messages that appeared to come from compromised devices. The operation also utilized a classified system called 'Ghost Murmur' to detect the airman's heartbeat from a distance. While US officials confirmed the use of deception tactics, the specific deployment of Pegasus had not been publicly acknowledged before this report. Experts have raised doubts about the feasibility of detecting a heartbeat from such distances. The incident marks a rare loss of US aircraft in Iranian territory since the conflict began on February 28.

Start a free Starter trial for enhanced analysis

Ask AI about this cluster

Updated 150d ago How this analysis works

Timeline

2026-02-28
Conflict began, leading to the downing of US aircraft in Iran.
2026-04-13
CIA confirms use of Pegasus spyware in rescue operation.

More articles in this cluster (2)

Following this threat?

Track Pegasus and Central Intelligence Agency in your own feed — you're alerted when they show up in new reporting, leak sites or exploitation.

Free account · no card needed