Post by : Badri Ariffin

On Sunday evening, hackers disrupted the satellite broadcasts of Iran's state television, showcasing messages from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The footage urged Iranian security forces to refrain from turning their weapons on the populace. This incident aligns with ongoing nationwide protests and severe governmental crackdowns.

Activists report that the death toll has surged to 4,029 since the unrest ignited on December 28 due to the economic crisis in Iran. The Human Rights Activists News Agency indicates that among the deceased, 3,786 were protestors, with additional casualties including security personnel and children. Arrests have topped 26,000, and fears of impending executions have escalated.

The hacked broadcast featured clips of Pahlavi alongside footage of security forces allegedly pledging allegiance to the people, although these claims remain unverified. The state broadcaster attributed the incident to a "momentary disruption by an unknown source" without elaborating on the aired content.

This marked a repeat occurrence of similar broadcasts; historically, in 1986, the CIA reportedly assisted Pahlavi’s affiliates in airing a pirate signal in Iran. Additionally, in 2022, Iranian media featured clips of the exiled group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq advocating for the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tensions with the U.S. are mounting, as the USS Abraham Lincoln and three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are making their way through the Strait of Malacca, potentially heading for the Middle East. The region currently sees no U.S. aircraft carrier presence, complicating military actions against Iran.

Diplomatically, the World Economic Forum rescinded the invitation for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi due to the violence, as did the Munich Security Conference for Iranian officials.

While Iranian authorities have not released a formal death toll, Supreme Leader Khamenei acknowledged the loss of "several thousand" lives. A collective statement from key officials promised consequences for those labeled as "terrorists" while offering leniency for others.

These protests signify the most lethal civil unrest in Iran in decades, echoing the chaos reminiscent of the 1979 revolution.

#Global News