Iran's State TV Hacked; Exiled Prince's Anti-Regime Messages Broadcast

Following the state TV hack, Iran imposed a widespread digital blackout affecting mobile networks and home internet services nationwide. The shutdown lasted more than 24 hours and was described by monitoring group NetBlocks as the most severe connectivity crisis since November 2019 protests. The Iranian government justified the blackout as necessary to 'disrupt enemy cyberattacks and drone operations.'

The state TV hack coincided with breaches of Bank Sepah and Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The Nobitex breach resulted in the theft of over $90 million in cryptocurrency, representing a significant escalation in cyber operations attributed to Israeli-linked actors.

Iran's state broadcaster claimed the disruption was due to 'enemy interference with satellite signals.' Iran International reported that Iran pointed fingers at Israel as the likely perpetrator, though no definitive attribution was established.

Videos featuring exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's calls for Iranian citizens to protest against the Islamic Republic were broadcast on state television. The transmission lasted approximately 10 minutes and included messages in Farsi encouraging protesters, footage of international solidarity protests, and statements from international leaders. Pahlavi's message reportedly called for Iran's military and security forces to side with protesters.

Anti-regime activists successfully hacked Iran's Badr satellite, gaining access to state television channels. The breach allowed them to interrupt regular programming and broadcast anti-government content.