Atomic811 (@atomic811)

Since Israel launched airstrikes on Iran in June 2025, Iranians living abroad have reported eerie encounters when trying to contact loved ones back home. Instead of hearing familiar voices, they’re greeted by robotic, female-sounding responses that sometimes mimic conversation. This phenomenon, detailed in an Associated Press report, has affected at least nine Iranian expatriates in the U.K. and U.S., raising questions about the use of artificial intelligence in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Ellie, a 44-year-old British-Iranian in the U.K., described her shock when a robotic voice answered her call to her mother in Tehran. Other expatriates shared similar experiences, with calls diverted to what experts believe could be low-tech AI, chatbots, or pre-recorded messages. The voices often engage briefly, adding to the unsettling nature of the interactions. These incidents coincide with Israel’s military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites, which began a week before the reports emerged on June 20, 2025. Five experts consulted by the AP analyzed recordings of these calls. Four suggested the Iranian government might be behind the operation, possibly as a countermeasure against hacking or to monitor communications during the internet blackout imposed amid the conflict. One expert pointed to Israel as a likely culprit, given its history of sophisticated intelligence operations, including AI-driven targeting in Gaza and Lebanon. The exact orchestrator remains unclear, but the intent appears to be disruption or surveillance. The timing is critical. Iran’s internet restrictions have left families in the dark, amplifying fears for those unable to reach relatives. The robotic voices add a layer of psychological strain for the diaspora, already anxious about the war’s toll—239 civilians and 126 security personnel killed in Iran, alongside 24 deaths in Israel, according to human rights groups and Israeli authorities. The conflict, marked by missile exchanges and strikes on key infrastructure like Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, shows no signs of abating. This use of AI aligns with broader trends in the Israel-Iran war, where digital disinformation has surged. BBC Verify reported fake AI videos of the conflict garnering over 100 million views, while outlets like Tehran Times have shared fabricated clips claiming destruction in Tel Aviv. Both nations’ leaders have been accused of posting AI-generated content to sway narratives, filling the void left by restricted real footage. As 404 Media noted, this “AI slop” muddies the truth, making it harder to discern fact from fiction. The robotic voices are a chilling reminder of how technology can weaponize communication. For Iranians abroad, the inability to connect with family is compounded by the fear that their calls are being intercepted or manipulated. Whether deployed by Iran to control information or by Israel to sow confusion, this tactic underscores the growing role of AI in modern warfare, where even a phone call can become a battleground. #IranIsraelConflict #AICalls #DigitalWarfare #Disinformation #CyberWar https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-war-ai-calls-bots-d83c659b61de1f904b68dc475ddad766