Hackers Break Into Iran State TV to Air Message Backing Exiled Crown Prince

Post by : Saif Nasser

A dramatic cyberattack has shaken Iran’s tightly controlled media system. Hackers briefly disrupted satellite broadcasts of Iranian state television to air footage supporting exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and urging security forces not to turn their weapons on ordinary people.

The incident happened late Sunday night and was seen across several satellite channels run by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the country’s state media organization. Iran’s government holds a strict monopoly over television and radio, making the breach highly unusual and deeply symbolic.

The hacked broadcast showed short video clips of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, who has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The footage included messages asking members of the army and security forces to stand with the people and refuse orders to suppress protests.

One message on screen directly addressed security forces, calling on them to “join the nation for the freedom of Iran.” The broadcast also claimed, without proof, that some uniformed forces had already laid down their weapons.

Iranian state media later admitted that satellite signals in some areas were briefly disrupted by an “unknown source,” but did not explain what viewers saw during the interruption. Officials avoided giving details, reflecting the sensitivity of the incident.

The hack comes at a time of extreme tension inside Iran. The country has been rocked by nationwide protests, followed by a harsh government crackdown. Activist groups say at least 3,919 people have been killed so far, though the real number may be much higher due to internet shutdowns and strict controls on information.

Iranian authorities have not released clear figures. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently acknowledged that “several thousand” people had died but blamed foreign powers, especially the United States, for the unrest.

Reza Pahlavi has increasingly spoken out during the protests, urging Iranians to demand change. While it is unclear how much support he has inside the country, some protesters have been heard chanting slogans in favor of the former monarchy.

This is not the first time Iran’s broadcasts have been hacked. Similar incidents happened in past decades, including during periods of unrest, showing how media has become a battlefield in Iran’s political struggle.

At the same time, tensions between Iran and the United States remain high. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against killing peaceful protesters or carrying out mass executions. Reports show a U.S. aircraft carrier moving toward the Middle East, adding to fears of wider conflict.

The hacking of state television is more than a technical event. It reflects growing anger, frustration, and resistance inside and outside Iran. As protests continue and pressure builds, the struggle for control — over streets, screens, and public opinion — is clearly far from over.