Post by : Saif Rahman

A significant cyber intrusion has impacted Iran’s tightly regulated media landscape. Hackers managed to briefly interrupt the satellite broadcasts of state television to showcase videos endorsing exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, while urging military personnel to refrain from using force against civilians.

This incident occurred late Sunday night and was broadcasted across various channels operated by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, which represents the state’s media. Given Iran’s firm control over broadcasting, this breach is both rare and highly symbolic.

The hacked segments displayed short clips of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last monarch, who has been in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These clips contained appeals for military and security forces to ally with civilians and reject orders aimed at quelling protests.

One of the messages explicitly invited the security forces to “join the nation in pursuit of freedom for Iran.” The broadcast also asserted, without evidence, that some armed personnel had already surrendered their weapons.

Later, Iranian state media confirmed that satellite signals in certain locations experienced disruptions from an “unknown source,” yet they refrained from elaborating on what viewers had witnessed. Officials evaded providing specific details, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding this incident.

This hack arrives during a period of severe unrest in Iran. The nation has been engulfed by widespread protests, followed by an oppressive government response. Activist organizations report that at least 3,919 individuals have died thus far, although the actual figure may be significantly greater due to internet blackouts and stringent information control.

While Iranian authorities have not provided definitive statistics, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently acknowledged that “several thousand” lives had been lost, attributing the turmoil to foreign influences, particularly the United States.

Reza Pahlavi has increasingly voiced opinions during these protests, urging citizens to advocate for change. Though his support within Iran is uncertain, some demonstrators have been heard chanting for the former monarchy.

This isn't the first instance of meddling in Iran’s broadcasting; past incidents have occurred during unrest, illustrating how the media is a crucial battleground in the country’s political struggles.

Simultaneously, tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate. U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned Iran against harming peaceful demonstrators or executing them in large numbers. Reports indicate a U.S. aircraft carrier is moving towards the Middle East, heightening concerns of broader conflict.

The hacking of state television goes beyond a mere technical issue; it symbolizes the rising anger, frustration, and resistance both within and outside of Iran. As protests persist and pressure mounts, the contest for dominance—over public spaces, screens, and collective opinion—remains far from resolved.

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