Cyberattack Hijacks Iranian TV to Incite Unrest; Israeli Leaders Receive Threats

Cyberattack Hijacks Iranian TV : Conspiracy to Incite Violence in Iran via Hacked TV Broadcasts; Israeli Leaders Reportedly Threatened

Tehran/Jerusalem | June 2025 — Cyberattack Hijacks Iranian TV , Tensions in the Middle East escalated further as Iranian state media confirmed that multiple TV channels were briefly hijacked in a coordinated cyberattack late last night, broadcasting anti-government messages and provocative visuals aimed at inciting civil unrest. Simultaneously, reports from Israeli intelligence claim that several high-ranking political leaders, including members of the Israeli Cabinet, have received anonymous threats, allegedly linked to the same cyber campaign.

Cyberattack on Iranian State TV

Viewers across major cities in Iran were stunned when regular programming on national television channels was abruptly interrupted. Instead of the scheduled news, the hacked screens displayed protest slogans, images of past anti-regime demonstrations, and calls for nationwide defiance. The intrusion lasted between 20 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the region before transmission was restored by Iranian authorities.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) issued a statement acknowledging the “unauthorized disruption,” calling it a “foreign cyber offensive intended to destabilize national security.” Though the government has not publicly named any country or group, sources within Iran’s cyber defense unit indicated a “well-coordinated external campaign involving military-grade malware.”

No group has officially claimed responsibility yet. However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) hinted at the possible involvement of foreign intelligence networks working in tandem with exiled opposition groups.

Threats Against Israeli Officials

In a related and equally alarming development, Israeli security agencies revealed that top government officials have received encrypted digital threats. These messages allegedly originated from channels tied to Iran’s proxy networks and were delivered via secure messaging apps and email.

Among those threatened are members of Israel’s National Security Council and key defense advisors. Israeli authorities are treating the threats seriously, with Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson confirming that “heightened security measures have been implemented around all key personnel.”

Analysts believe this may be a retaliatory signal from Iranian cyber units or aligned non-state actors in response to recent Israeli cyber offensives on Iranian infrastructure and suspected sabotage of nuclear-linked facilities.

International Reaction

The Cyberattack Hijacks Iranian TV has drawn concern from the international cybersecurity community. NATO-affiliated analysts warned that “the use of mass media hacks to provoke internal unrest in hostile territories represents a new phase in hybrid warfare.”

Cyberattack Hijacks Iranian TV : Human rights groups have expressed concern that this incident could lead to a fresh wave of internet restrictions and crackdowns on dissidents within Iran. Many fear the regime may use the incident as a pretext to suppress protests or further censor independent media.

What This Means

This incident marks an increasingly sophisticated trend in digital warfare, where state and non-state actors use media hijacking, psychological operations, and political intimidation as tools of influence. It also underscores how cyber threats are no longer confined to critical infrastructure — but now extend to public trust, political systems, and societal stability.

As investigations continue on both sides, the region remains on edge, with both Iran and Israel blaming shadow actors and preparing for possible escalation — not just on the battlefield, but in the digital domain.