Hackers believed to be backed by Iran targeted more than 30 municipal water systems across Minnesota this week, several media outlets reported, appearing to validate months of federal warnings that Tehran aimed to disrupt internet-exposed devices controlling operations at U.S. water, wastewater, and energy facilities.
Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) said a “coordinated cyberattack” targeted operational technology on July 26 and 27, triggering the state’s cybersecurity incident response protocols.
The attack briefly knocked one system offline and disrupted remote sensors at another, according to The Washington Post. No drinking water has been reported as unsafe, according to the outlet.
“Cyberattacks against critical infrastructure require a coordinated, whole-of-government response,” said John Israel, Minnesota chief information security officer. “MNIT is working side by side with our partners to share intelligence, support affected communities, and help utilities restore operations safely while strengthening defenses against future attacks.”
Investigators are now probing whether Iranian hackers carried out the attack, but intelligence officials cautioned the assessment remains preliminary as additional forensic evidence is gathered, according to CBS News. Officials have not ruled out the possibility that another actor is posing as Iran to inflame tensions amid the U.S. conflict with the regime.
The FBI is investigating, The Washington Post reported. If Iranian involvement is confirmed, it could mark a serious escalation in Tehran’s ongoing campaign to target U.S. critical infrastructure.
“It is not a secret that these things have been taking place since the spring,” Joe Slowik, director of threat research for Dataminr, told the Post. “There have been disruptions in multiple critical infrastructure sectors. It’s a big deal.”
President Trump, however, cast doubt on reports linking Iran to the attack, using a Cabinet meeting at Camp David to dismiss the incident and instead blame Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Q: Can you rule out that Iran is behind that cyber attack?
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 31, 2026
Trump: No, I think Minnesota is behind it. I don’t think there was an Iranian cyber attack. pic.twitter.com/4dk8aFXmbv
NOW - Trump says cyberattack on 30 water plants in Minnesota was not Iran, blaming Minnesota itself and their "corrupt governor." pic.twitter.com/P12N1R14wL
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) July 31, 2026
Nate George, the mayor of Braham, Minnesota, appeared to echo Trump’s criticism, arguing that misplaced government spending leaves local communities less prepared to defend against cyberattacks.
“This is exactly why state government must spend taxpayers’ money on the things that matter, not political agenda action items,” George said. “That means funding Local Government Aid and providing practical assistance to help communities strengthen cybersecurity, replace aging systems, and protect basic services residents and businesses rely upon.”
Walz, on the other hand, quickly fired back, arguing that federal cuts made the U.S. vulnerable to such attacks.
Trump knows exactly who is responsible for this attack, and knows that other states were hit too.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) July 31, 2026
This is what modern warfare looks like, and it further illustrates there’s no plan to win a war with Iran. https://t.co/e70UpK65P6
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