Iranian State TV Allegedly Hacked Amid US-Israeli Air Strikes

Allegations of Hacking and Air Strikes

On Sunday, various social media users claimed that Iran's state television networks experienced a hacking incident, featuring brief appearances by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during regular programming. Videos shared online seemed to depict the two leaders interrupting scheduled broadcasts. However, Iranian officials have yet to verify these claims. This news surfaced shortly after Iran reported air strikes by US and Israeli forces targeting sections of the state television headquarters in Tehran on Sunday evening.

According to state-run Press TV, warplanes from the US and Israel struck parts of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters in the capital. The broadcaster also indicated that residential areas in Tehran were affected by the attacks.

In another incident, a US-Israeli air strike targeted Gandhi Hospital in Tehran, resulting in what Press TV described as "massive destruction." The outlet broadcast footage of nurses relocating newborns to a different facility following the attack. Additionally, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported hearing explosions in various regions of Tehran, including the eastern, southeastern, and central areas. There has been no immediate update on casualties.

Reports indicate that the US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on Saturday, reportedly resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran launched a series of drone and missile strikes aimed at Israel, US interests, and several Gulf nations. Earlier in January, hackers had disrupted Iranian state television satellite broadcasts to air footage supporting the country's exiled crown prince and urging security forces not to "point your weapons at the people," following widespread protests in Iran.