**Hackers Disrupt Iranian State TV's Satellite Transmission**
In a shocking turn of events, hackers disrupted Iranian state television's satellite transmission on Sunday night, airing footage supporting the country's exiled crown prince and calling on security forces not to "point your weapons at the people." The hack is the latest disruption to follow nationwide protests in Iran, which have resulted in a staggering death toll of at least 4,029 people, activists said.
The video, which aired across multiple channels broadcast by satellite from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), included two clips of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, as well as footage of security forces and others wearing what appeared to be Iranian police uniforms. The video claimed that some had "laid down their weapons and sworn an oath of allegiance to the people." One graphic read: "This is a message to the army and security forces. Don't point your weapons at the people. Join the nation for the freedom of Iran."
The semiofficial Fars news agency, believed to be close to the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, reported that the state broadcaster acknowledged that its signal was "momentarily disrupted by an unknown source." However, it did not discuss what had been aired.
A statement from Pahlavi's office confirmed the disruption but did not respond to questions about the hack. The level of support for Pahlavi inside Iran remains unclear, despite pro-Shah cries at the demonstrations and at night since the crackdown.
This is not the first time Iranian airwaves have been disrupted. In 1986, a miniaturized television transmitter supplied by the CIA allowed Pahlavi to broadcast for 11 minutes on two Iranian stations. More recently, in 2022, multiple channels aired footage showing leaders from the exiled opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq and a graphic calling for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
**US Aircraft Carrier Sails Through Strait of Malacca**
Tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington over the crackdown on protesters, with President Donald Trump drawing two red lines: the killing of peaceful protesters and mass executions in the wake of demonstrations. In response to these developments, a U.S. aircraft carrier has sailed through the Strait of Malacca, potentially en route to the Middle East.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, along with other American military vessels, passed Singapore overnight to enter the Strait of Malacca, according to ship-tracking data analyzed by the AP. This raises concerns about a potential military operation targeting Iran, despite broad opposition from Gulf Arab states.
**World Economic Forum Withdraws Invitation to Iranian Foreign Minister**
The death toll in the crackdown on protests has led to widespread condemnation, with the World Economic Forum withdrawing its invitation for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to speak at Davos. The forum cited "the tragic loss of lives of civilians in Iran over the past few weeks" as reason for the withdrawal.
Iran's ambassador to Switzerland, Mahmoud Barimani, called the decision an "unreasonable act," blaming it on "anti-Iranian currents and radical American-Zionists." The Munich Security Conference has also withdrawn its invitation for Iranian government officials over the crackdown.
**Human Rights Activists Warn of Higher Death Toll**
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported a death toll of at least 4,029 people, warning that it is likely to go higher. The agency has been accurate throughout the years of demonstrations and unrest in Iran, relying on a network of activists inside the country to confirm all reported fatalities.
The HRANA also reported over 26,000 people had been arrested, raising fears about their potential treatment under Iranian law. Iranian officials have not given a clear death toll, with Supreme Leader Khamenei blaming the United States for the deaths and suggesting that "Islamic mercy and leniency" would be applied to those who were deceived into participating in the protests.