Iranian state TV feed reportedly hijacked to air anti-regime messages

Several Iranian state television channels were briefly hijacked on Sunday, interrupting regular programming to air protest footage and messages from an exiled opposition figure, according to multiple media reports.

The affected channels were transmitted via the Badr satellite, which Iran’s state broadcaster uses to deliver a number of provincial television stations nationwide.

Video clips circulating on social media appeared to show messages in Farsi urging protesters to continue demonstrating, alongside footage of solidarity rallies abroad and statements of support attributed to international figures. 

The broadcast also featured Reza Pahlavi — the son of Iran’s last shah, who lives in the United States — calling for more protests and urging Iran’s military and security forces to support the demonstrators.

Clips of the apparent breach were published by London-based broadcaster Iran International, as well as by local media and Pahlavi’s media team. Recorded Future News could not independently verify the footage.

Media reports said the unauthorized broadcast lasted around 10 minutes. The group responsible was not immediately identified, and Iranian authorities had not publicly commented on the incident.

The reported incident comes amid unrest that began in Iran in late December following a sharp economic downturn marked by soaring inflation and rising food prices. Protesters have increasingly linked the hardship to government corruption and mismanagement, with many calling for a political change.

Iranian officials said at least 5,000 people were killed during the unrest, including about 500 members of the security forces.

Iran also imposed a near-total shutdown of internet and mobile communications for nearly two weeks, though media reports said authorities may begin easing restrictions in the coming days. The protests have now subsided following a security crackdown.