Mysterious AI Voices Intercept Calls to Iran Amid Conflict and Internet Blackout

Mysterious AI Voices Disrupt Communication with Iran

In a startling development, Iranians living abroad are encountering an unexpected obstacle when trying to contact their loved ones back home. Since Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian targets, callers have reported hearing robotic voices intercepting their calls to Iran, instead of reaching their intended recipients 1

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The Eerie Messages

The intercepted calls are answered by AI-generated voices, often speaking in imperfect English or Farsi. One such voice introduces itself as "Alyssia," asking, "Who is calling? I can't heard you. Who you want to speak with?" 2

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. Other messages are more philosophical, urging listeners to "close your eyes and imagine a peaceful place" 5

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Impact on Iranian Diaspora

This phenomenon has deeply unsettled Iranians living abroad. A 30-year-old woman in New York described it as "one of the most scary things I've ever experienced" 3

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. The situation is particularly distressing for those with vulnerable family members in Iran, such as Ellie, a British-Iranian woman unable to reach her diabetic mother in Tehran 4

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Theories and Speculations

Experts are divided on the source and purpose of these intercepted calls. Five telecommunications and cybersecurity experts who analyzed recordings for the Associated Press offered several theories:

1. Low-tech artificial intelligence or chatbots
2. Pre-recorded messages diverted from abroad
3. A government measure to thwart hackers
4. Psychological warfare

Four out of five experts believed the Iranian government was likely behind the operation, while one suggested Israel as a possible source 1

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Context of Conflict and Internet Blackout

The emergence of these robotic voices coincides with escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes. In response, the Iranian government imposed a widespread internet blackout, ostensibly to protect the country 2

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Communication Challenges

The internet restrictions have severely limited digital communication, forcing many to rely on direct phone calls. However, the appearance of these AI voices has created an additional barrier to contact. Some Iranians have found creative workarounds, such as using intermediaries with access to both Iranian and foreign phone networks 4

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Ongoing Mystery

As of now, neither the Iranian nor Israeli governments have commented on this phenomenon. The true source and purpose of these robotic messages remain unknown, leaving Iranians both inside and outside the country struggling to reconnect with family and access independent information 5

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