US EditionHackers Breach Iran State TV to Air Exiled Prince's Protest Call
Hackers aired Reza Pahlavi’s call urging Iranian security forces to protect citizens amid protests that have killed at least 3,919, activists said.
- On January 18, 2026, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB was hijacked, briefly airing Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's message via the Badr satellite, though authenticity remains unconfirmed.
- After a near-total blackout that began on January 8, 2026, NetBlocks, internet monitoring group, reported a fleeting restoration of connectivity earlier Sunday that allowed some content to circulate.
- Videos circulating online showed repeated messages telling the Iranian army and security forces not to turn their weapons on the people, with a photograph of Masoud Pezeshkian addressed in an appeal.
- No one has claimed credit for the intrusion, Iranian officials blamed an unnamed foreign country, and Fars reported Irancell's CEO Alireza Rafiei was removed Sunday for failing to comply with shutdown orders.
- Amid a deadly crackdown that officials say killed at least 5,000 people, Reuters reported more than 24,000 arrests amid U.S. military moves and President Donald Trump's strike pause.
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Reza Pahlavi unexpectedly spoke on Iranian television: EADaily
EADaily, January 19th, 2026. The son of the deposed Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, unexpectedly appeared on Iranian television calling for the overthrow of the ayatollah regime. This became possible as a result of hacking the Iranian satellite broadcasting of state TV channels. This is reported by Bild.
Hackers target Iranian state TV as exiled crown prince tells military to 'join the people'
Despite an internet blackout, video has emerged online showing that multiple channels from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the country's state broadcaster, were showing clips of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
Hackers hijacked state television stations in Iran on Sunday night, according to media reports. Reza Pahlavi went on air. He had a message to the military.
In the middle of the current program, hackers took over all state television stations in Iran at the same time. Instead of the usual slogans, the face of Reza Pahlavi suddenly flickered over the screens.
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