Numbers Station Detected Broadcasting Encrypted Persian Messages Since February 28 Attacks

Reports indicate that a "numbers station" is transmitting encrypted messages in Persian via shortwave radio — messages that some intelligence experts believe may be used to communicate with intelligence assets inside Iran. According to the reports, these broadcasts began from a transmitter somewhere in Western Europe hours after the February 28 (9 Esfand) attacks on the Islamic Republic. In these messages, a Persian-speaking voice says "attention" before reading a series of numbers. Some former U.S. intelligence officials said such stations are typically used to send orders to field agents, arrange meeting points, and deliver operational instructions — and are often used as backup communication channels in emergency situations. According to experts, the broadcasts were subsequently disrupted for a period by beeps and electronic noise — an action believed to be a jamming attempt to cut off these communications.