In a bold act of digital defiance, hackers have successfully disrupted broadcasts on Iran's state television to transmit a direct appeal from the country's exiled crown prince, calling on the armed forces to side with anti-government protesters.
Broadcast Hijacked Amid Media Blackout
The cyber intrusion occurred despite a severe nationwide internet blackout imposed by authorities attempting to quell information flow. Video evidence emerged online showing that multiple channels run by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) were momentarily taken over. The hacked feed displayed clips of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah who fled Iran during the 1979 revolution.
The broadcast featured two segments of the prince, interspersed with footage of security forces. Accompanying graphics, presented without verifiable evidence, claimed that some personnel had already "laid down their weapons and swore an oath of allegiance to the people." A stark on-screen message addressed the army and security forces directly: "Don't point your weapons at the people. Join the nation for the freedom of Iran."
Pahlavi's Direct Appeal to the Military
In the transmitted message, Reza Pahlavi delivered a pointed address to Iran's military establishment. "I have a special message for the military. You are the national army of Iran, not the Islamic Republic army," he stated. He urged them to protect their own lives and asserted that time was running out, concluding with a call to "join the people as soon as possible."
A statement from Pahlavi's office later acknowledged the broadcast disruption. Iranian state media confirmed the incident in a more muted fashion; the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the state broadcaster as saying the signal in "some areas of the country was momentarily disrupted by an unknown source." The broadcaster did not elaborate on the content that was aired.
Mounting Death Toll and Official Counter-Claims
This digital protest unfolds against a backdrop of extreme violence. According to the Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the verified death toll from the authorities' crackdown on protests had reached 3,919 people by the end of Sunday, 18 January 2026. The group reported a further 8,949 deaths under investigation, with over 24,000 detainees confirmed.
Meanwhile, an unnamed Iranian official gave a conflicting account to Reuters on Sunday. This source claimed authorities had verified at least 5,000 fatalities, including approximately 500 security personnel. The official blamed "terrorists and armed rioters" for killing "innocent Iranians," alleged that foreign actors like Israel supported demonstrators, and suggested the final toll would not rise sharply.
Internet freedom monitor FilterWatch has warned that the current internet shutdown, a key tool in the regime's response, could be made permanent, further isolating the Iranian population from the outside world.
