US Space Force Official's Instagram Account Hacked with Pro-Iran Content

A significant cybersecurity breach occurred when hackers took control of the Instagram account of Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna, a senior official in the US Space Force. The account was used to post pro-Iran and anti-US content, including propaganda reminiscent of the Vietnam War. This incident highlights the increasing cyber threats associated with the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Bentivegna has warned colleagues to avoid interacting with the compromised account while efforts are underway to regain control. The breach raises concerns about the security of military personnel's online presence during heightened tensions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 01:04 IST

Cybersecurity Breach Involving US Space Force

In a recent incident, hackers temporarily seized control of the Instagram account belonging to Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna, a senior official in the US Space Force. This breach led to the posting of content that was both pro-Iran and anti-American, as reported by US officials. The account is significant as Bentivegna holds the highest enlisted rank within the Space Force.

Among the content shared was a video featuring audio from 'Hanoi Hannah', a notorious North Vietnamese broadcaster known for her propaganda during the Vietnam War. The audio urged American soldiers to abandon their posts, accompanied by images of Ali Larijani, an Iranian security figure recently killed amid escalating tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Following the breach, Bentivegna issued a warning to his colleagues via Facebook, advising them to refrain from engaging with any posts from the hacked account. He stated, 'We are collaborating with the relevant teams to regain access and rectify the situation promptly.'

A spokesperson for the Space Force confirmed the hacking incident but did not disclose additional information, such as the duration the content was visible or the identity of the perpetrators.

This event occurs amid rising concerns regarding cyber threats associated with the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Space Force has been actively involved in US military operations targeting Iran. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noted that the service employed 'non-kinetic effects' to disrupt Iranian defenses during military actions initiated on February 28.

US military leaders have consistently alerted personnel about the potential risks to their phones and online accounts during this conflict. Recently, US Central Command informed lawmakers about multiple threat reports indicating adversaries' attempts to exploit commercial location data to monitor US personnel in the field.

In late April, several members of the US Marine Corps, along with civilian staff and their families, received threatening text messages, which the Navy later deemed 'unsubstantiated'. These messages were allegedly sent by a group believed to have connections to Iranian hackers, with one message claiming, 'Your identities are fully known to our missile units, and every move you make is under our surveillance.'

The hacking of Bentivegna's Instagram account is part of a broader pattern of information and cyber warfare linked to the ongoing conflict. In March, Iranian hackers reportedly accessed the personal email of FBI Director Kash Patel, leaking old emails and photographs. Additionally, online influence campaigns have surfaced, with some young Iranians utilizing artificial intelligence to create viral videos that mock US officials and military actions. In contrast, the White House and US Central Command have released polished videos of military strikes, drawing comparisons to video game scenes.