Hackers Interrupt Iranian State TV to Broadcast Pro-Pahlavi Message Amid Deadly Crackdown
Hackers hijacked Iranian state TV satellite feeds to air footage backing exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as activists report over 4,000 killed in ongoing crackdown.
Overview
What happened: Unknown hackers briefly disrupted Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting satellite channels, airing clips of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and messages urging security forces to stand down.
Casualties and arrests: Activists report at least 4,029 deaths and over 26,000 arrests; AP could not independently verify figures amid internet shutdown and restricted information flow.
International response: The World Economic Forum and Munich Security Conference withdrew invitations for Iranian officials; Tehran criticized Davos decision as politically motivated.
US military movements: Ship-tracking shows the USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying destroyers transiting the Strait of Malacca, a route that could reposition them toward the Middle East.
Context and history: Signal intrusions have occurred before, including an alleged CIA-aided 1986 broadcast; the hack follows nationwide protests that began Dec. 28 over economic and political grievances.
Analysis
Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.
Sources (4)
FAQ
Reza Pahlavi is Iran's exiled Crown Prince, son of the last Shah. In the hacked broadcast, he urged Iranians to protest, called on military and security forces to side with protesters and protect their lives by joining the people.
On Sunday night at around 9:30 p.m. Tehran time, hackers disrupted IRIB channels via the Badr satellite, broadcasting anti-regime footage, protest clips, and Reza Pahlavi's messages for about 10 minutes across multiple channels.
Activists report at least 4,029 deaths and over 26,000 arrests, though figures could not be independently verified due to internet shutdowns and restricted access.
The World Economic Forum and Munich Security Conference withdrew invitations to Iranian officials; the WEF decision was criticized by Tehran as politically motivated.
Signal intrusions have occurred before, including an alleged CIA-aided broadcast in 1986; this hack follows nationwide protests starting December 28 over economic and political issues.
History
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