In a bold move, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the exiled heir to the Iranian throne, has called on the country’s military to “join the people” in the ongoing protests sweeping the nation. This comes as hackers have targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the state-run media network, disrupting its operations.
Despite an internet blackout imposed by the Iranian authorities, video footage has emerged online showing that multiple IRIB channels were broadcasting messages from the Crown Prince. In his address, Pahlavi appealed directly to the Iranian military, urging them to stand with the protesters and the people, rather than the government.
The protests, which began in mid-September following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the country’s strict hijab laws, have continued to gain momentum. Demonstrators have taken to the streets across Iran, calling for greater personal freedoms and the overthrow of the Islamic Republic.
The cyber attacks on IRIB, which have been claimed by various hacker groups, have further disrupted the government’s efforts to control the narrative and suppress information about the protests. The hackers have managed to hijack the state broadcaster’s channels, allowing Pahlavi’s message to reach the Iranian people despite the internet restrictions.
In his address, the Crown Prince, who has been living in exile since the 1979 Iranian revolution, urged the military to “choose the side of the people” and join the protesters in their fight for freedom and democracy. He emphasized the importance of the military’s role in supporting the aspirations of the Iranian people, rather than the authoritarian regime.
The situation in Iran remains highly volatile, with the government’s crackdown on the protests leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians. The international community has condemned the violence and called for the Iranian authorities to respect the rights of its citizens.
As the protests continue, the role of the military and the impact of the cyber attacks on the state media will be crucial in determining the outcome of the ongoing unrest. The Crown Prince’s message has added a new dimension to the struggle, potentially galvanizing further support from within the Iranian armed forces.