Hackers have successfully interrupted the satellite transmissions of Iranian state television, airing messages from Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch. In the broadcast, Pahlavi urged security forces not to “point your weapons at the people,” as footage circulated online showing him addressing the nation. This incident occurred amidst ongoing protests, which have reportedly resulted in at least 3,919 deaths according to activists.
The disruption took place on the evening of January 7, 2024, when multiple channels operated by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting were affected. Pahlavi’s message was broadcast in two clips, alongside footage of security personnel, including individuals in what appeared to be Iranian police uniforms. The broadcast claimed that some security forces had “laid down their weapons and swore an oath of allegiance to the people.”
In response to the incident, the semi-official Fars news agency, which is linked to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, acknowledged that the signal had been disrupted by an “unknown source.” However, they did not elaborate on the content of the broadcast. Pahlavi’s office confirmed the disruption but did not comment further when contacted by the Associated Press.
During the hacked transmission, Pahlavi addressed the military directly, saying, “You are the national army of Iran, not the Islamic Republic army. You have a duty to protect your own lives. You don’t have much time left. Join the people as soon as possible.”
Social media footage, reportedly shared by those using Starlink satellites to bypass internet restrictions, depicted the hack in real-time across various channels. This is not the first instance of Iranian airwaves being disrupted. Historical accounts recall a similar event in 1986, when the CIA assisted Pahlavi’s allies in broadcasting clandestine messages into Iran.
The ongoing protests in Iran, which erupted on December 28, 2023, in response to the country’s economic turmoil, have escalated significantly. The current death toll is the highest recorded during protests in Iran in decades, drawing parallels to the unrest that preceded the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that the death toll is expected to rise, with recent claims from Iranian officials suggesting that at least 5,000 people may have been killed, including around 500 security personnel.
In a video shared on the social media platform X, Pahlavi vowed to return to Iran, stating, “The battle in Iran today is between occupation and liberation. The Iranian people have called for me to lead. I will return to Iran.” He emphasized that it is crucial for the international community to support the protesters, affirming, “The people of Iran have risen to reclaim their country. History will honour those who stand with them.”
As protests continue, Iranian authorities are under increasing pressure, and the situation remains fluid. The international community is closely monitoring developments, with calls for greater scrutiny of the Iranian government’s actions in response to dissent.
