• Source:JND

Iran’s tightly controlled state television was briefly hijacked on Saturday night, allowing opposition messages from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi and footage of anti-regime protests to be broadcast nationwide, according to multiple international media reports.

The unprecedented breach affected all channels of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and lasted for about 10 minutes. Prince Reza Pahlavi’s press office confirmed the incident, stating that at around 9:30 pm Tehran time, messages from the uprising and appeals from Pahlavi were aired across the country. The hack was reportedly carried out via satellite, enabling the footage to bypass Iran’s sweeping communications blackout.

Pahlavi’s Message Aired Nationwide

According to The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post, citing opposition-aligned outlet Iran International, Pahlavi’s address ran for several minutes. Nearly six minutes of the broadcast was later shared on X by @PahlaviComms. The unauthorised footage included scenes of protests and slogans directly challenging the Islamic Republic’s authority during an intense crackdown on dissent.

Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, appeared urging citizens to continue demonstrations and calling on the military and security forces to side with the people. He appealed for unity and resistance, framing the protests as a historic moment for the country.

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Appeals To Security Forces And Leadership

Videos circulating online showed on-screen messages such as, “People of Iran, continue your struggle. Freedom is closer than ever,” and “Europe is with you!” Another message directly addressed the armed forces, urging them not to turn their weapons on civilians and to join the nation’s push for freedom.

A photograph of President Masoud Pezeshkian also appeared during the broadcast, alongside a written appeal questioning whether he would continue endorsing official claims that protesters are “mercenaries” or foreign agents.

Protests Sparked By Economic Crisis

Mass protests have rocked Iran for weeks, with activists reporting thousands of deaths and arrests. The demonstrations began on December 28 after shopkeepers and bazaar merchants in Tehran launched strikes in response to the Iranian currency hitting a record low against the US dollar.

What initially began as protests over economic hardship has since evolved into a broader movement demanding political change. Iranians from across society, including students, shopkeepers, men and women, and citizens from various income groups, have joined the unrest, united in calling for an end to clerical rule.

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