Robotic Voices Replace Loved Ones' Responses in Iran Calls
Since the surge of Israeli airstrikes on Iran's military and nuclear sites, many Iranians living abroad have encountered an unnerving new obstacle when trying to connect with family at home. Instead of hearing familiar voices, they are met with robotic messages and strange prerecorded responses, leaving them anxious and uncertain about their loved ones' safety.
Artificial Intelligence or Call Diversion?
Several callers have reported hearing phrases like, "Alo? Alo? Who is calling?" and even more surreal messages such as, "Thank you for taking the time to listen. Life is full of unexpected surprises. These can bring joy or challenge us." Experts analyzing recordings hypothesize these messages could be generated by basic artificial intelligence or be prerecorded audio played through call diversion systems operated by Iranian phone companies. Some cybersecurity professionals suggest this may be part of a broad government effort to control communications amid the ongoing conflict.
Impact on Families
For Iranians abroad, this situation is deeply unsettling. Ellie, a British-Iranian, shared her frustration when trying to reach her mother in Tehran, who is struggling with diabetes and urgently needs insulin. Ellie explains she cannot contact her mother directly, who has reportedly received no calls due to this interference. Similarly, others describe the experience as a form of psychological warfare—calling loved ones only to be met with unfamiliar, impersonal voices.
Communication Barriers Amid Conflict
The Iranian government has enforced widespread internet blackouts citing security reasons, further compounding the difficulty of maintaining contact. Meanwhile, Iranian phone lines often ring endlessly without answers, or divert calls to these strange automated systems, amplifying feelings of helplessness among relatives overseas.
Creative Solutions and Ongoing Anxiety
Some have resorted to creative workarounds. Ellie, for example, connected with her mother by enlisting someone near the Iran-Turkey border who placed a phone call to her mother inside Iran and held it up to a second phone so Ellie could listen remotely. This indirect method offered some reassurance but highlighted how difficult communication has become. Others remain stuck, hearing only confusing commands to "close your eyes and picture a peaceful place," which only deepens their distress.
Understanding the Context
- Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure have escalated tensions.
- Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks have further escalated the conflict.
- Communication blackouts imposed by Iran hinder connectivity and amplify uncertainty.
- Experts suggest phone call diversions and AI-generated messages are part of information control strategies.
As these technological and political complications persist, families abroad face greater emotional turmoil trying to verify the wellbeing of loved ones amidst an opaque and dangerous environment.
