Hackers have disrupted Iranian state television broadcasts, airing messages from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urging the country's military to 'join the people' amid ongoing anti-government protests. Despite a widespread internet blackout, videos surfaced online showing multiple state channels playing clips of the crown prince and graphics calling on security forces to lay down their weapons. The hacked broadcasts included direct appeals from Pahlavi, who emphasized the military's duty to protect Iranian lives and encouraged them to support the movement for freedom.

The incident comes as activists report nearly 4,000 verified deaths from the crackdown on protests, with thousands more injuries and detentions. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the disruption but have not commented on the content aired. Officials continue to blame foreign influences for the unrest, while watchdogs warn that the internet blackout could become permanent, further limiting information flow from inside Iran.