**HACKERS TAKE OVER IRAN STATE TV TO SHOW EXILED PRINCE CALLING FOR REVOLUTION**
The Iranian state television network was hacked on Sunday night, allowing hackers to broadcast a message from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi calling for the security forces to join the people in their fight against the government.
The footage aired on multiple channels broadcast by satellite from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which has a monopoly on television and radio. The video showed two clips of Prince Pahlavi, as well as footage of security forces and others wearing what appeared to be Iranian police uniforms.
One graphic in the broadcast read: "Don't point your weapons at the people. Join the nation for the freedom of Iran."
A statement from IRIB acknowledged that the signal had been disrupted by an unknown source, but did not discuss the content of the broadcast.
The hacking came as the death toll in the crackdown against anti-government demonstrations reached at least 3,941, according to human rights activists. Iranian officials have not given a clear death toll, with one anonymous official telling Reuters that the confirmed death toll was more than 5,000, including 500 members of the security forces.
Activists fear that the number will grow far higher as information leaks out of a country still gripped by the government's decision to shut down the internet. The internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported yesterday that national connectivity remained minimal, but that a "filternet" with managed restrictions was allowing some messages through.
Reza Pahlavi, who has been calling for protests in Iran since January 8, appeared on screen during the hack and addressed the security forces directly. "You are the national army of Iran, not the Islamic Republic army," he said. "You have a duty to protect your own lives. You don't have much time left. Join the people as soon as possible."
Protesters in Los Angeles hold a picture of Reza Pahlavi during demonstrations on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Social media footage shared abroad showed the hack in progress across multiple channels, with some reports suggesting that US President Donald Trump briefly appeared on screen during the hack.
The hacking was seen as a significant escalation in the protests against the Iranian government, which have been ongoing for weeks. The protesters are demanding an end to the regime and the return of democracy to Iran.
Reza Pahlavi's father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, fled Iran ahead of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Mr Pahlavi has been urging protesters to continue their fight against the government.
The hacking also comes as tensions remain high between the US and Iran after Mr Trump drew two red lines for the Islamic Republic: the killing of peaceful protesters and Tehran conducting mass executions after the demonstrations.
A US aircraft carrier passed through the Strait of Malacca on Sunday night, putting it on a route that could bring it to the Middle East. The move has been seen as a show of force by the US in support of the Iranian protesters.
The hacking of IRIB's broadcast is a significant blow to the Iranian government, which has been trying to control the narrative around the protests and suppress any information that could be used against them.
As the situation in Iran continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen how long the hacking will continue and what impact it will have on the protesters' fight for freedom.
In related news, Iranian officials have announced that they plan to restore internet connectivity in the coming days, with service resuming "as soon as security conditions are appropriate". However, activists fear that the government may be using this as a way to suppress information and prevent further protests.