Hackers target Iran state TV’s satellite transmission to broadcast exiled crown prince

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by By JON GAMBRELLJanuary 19, 2026 at 07:53 AM

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Hackers disrupted Iranian state television's satellite transmission on Monday, broadcasting footage supporting exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and urging security forces to refrain from violence against protesters. The broadcast, aired across multiple channels of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, included clips of Pahlavi and images suggesting security forces had defected. This disruption follows widespread protests in Iran, where activists estimate that at least 3,919 people have been killed in a government crackdown. The state broadcaster acknowledged the disruption, attributing it to an "unknown source," while Pahlavi's office confirmed the broadcast. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high due to the crackdown, with the U.S. deploying an aircraft carrier towards the Middle East.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Dubai 30% Fars News Agency 40% United Arab Emirates 40% Donald Trump 50% Revolutionary Guard 50% United States 60% Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting 70% Reza Pahlavi ×370% Iran ×690%

Keywords

iran 90% hacking 90% state television 80% protests 70% exiled crown prince 70% satellite transmission 60% security forces 60% reza pahlavi 50% crackdown 50% islamic republic 40%