Hackers Interrupt Iranian State TV with Pro-Pahlavi Footage Amid Deadly Crackdown and Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions

Hackers disrupted Iran's state broadcaster Sunday night, airing footage featuring exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and apparent police, urging security forces not to target civilians amidst protests.

Activist groups report at least 4,029 deaths and over 26,000 arrests since protests began Dec. 28; The Associated Press has not independently verified the toll.

The government has imposed internet shutdowns and faced international isolation, with invitations revoked to forums like Davos and Munich amid concerns over killings and executions.

U.S.-Iran tensions have risen: President Trump condemned Iran's crackdown, and the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group transited the Strait of Malacca, possibly heading toward the Middle East.

State airwaves have been disrupted before, including 2022 broadcasts of Mujahedeen-e-Khalq leaders; Pahlavi's office acknowledged the disruption, while Iranian officials blame foreign interference.