An alleged cyber hack briefly interrupted Iranian state TV with a split-screen broadcast featuring Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the growing role of digital warfare amid escalating regional conflict.
In a dramatic development amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran, an Iranian television channel was reportedly hacked by pro-US and pro-Israel cyber actors, triggering a brief but highly controversial broadcast interruption.
According to reports circulating online, a 36-second video clip shows what appears to be a sudden disruption of programming on IRIB TV3, a major Iranian state-run channel typically known for broadcasting football matches and other entertainment content. The footage, which surfaced on March 2, 2026, was shared on X by RT_com, the social media arm of RT, a Russian state-controlled international television network funded by the Russian government.
The video captures a split-screen broadcast replacing regular programming. On the left side of the screen, US President Donald Trump appears at a podium with an American flag in the background, wearing a “USA” cap while delivering a speech. On the right, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen speaking from his office.
Persian subtitles displayed beneath both leaders reportedly included messages urging Iranian citizens to rise against their government, alongside warnings referencing ongoing military action. English phrases were also visible, emphasising sanctions and military pressure.
The footage has not been independently verified. RT_com stated that the clip was sourced from pro-Israel activist Aviva Klompas and commentator Dom Lucre. Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the scale or nature of the alleged breach.
The reported broadcast disruption occurred during a period of significant military escalation. The United States and Israel recently conducted extensive strikes on Iranian targets. Iranian state television confirmed that the strikes resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and around 40 senior officials.
The post describing the incident characterised it as a cyber hack followed by a broadcast blackout. If verified, such an operation would represent a notable intersection of cyber warfare and conventional military action.
Reports have also suggested that Israeli-linked actors targeted digital platforms beyond television, including a widely used Iranian prayer application, allegedly circulating messages encouraging military defections. While these claims remain largely unverified, they indicate that the conflict is unfolding simultaneously across physical and digital domains.
Reactions on social media platform X have been sharply divided. Some observers argue that the broadcast resembles psychological operations seen in past regional conflicts. Others question its authenticity, suggesting the clip may be manipulated or part of a broader information campaign.
Regardless of verification, the incident highlights how cyber operations, propaganda and conventional warfare increasingly overlap. State media networks, once seen primarily as communication tools, are now potential targets in information battles designed to influence public opinion and destabilise adversaries.
The rapid online circulation of the footage, gathering thousands of views within hours, demonstrates the powerful role social media platforms play in shaping narratives during international crises. Even unverified content can amplify perceptions of instability and intensify geopolitical tensions.
Iranian officials have yet to clarify whether IRIB TV3 experienced a technical malfunction, cyber intrusion or brief disruption. Until official confirmation is provided, the scale and authenticity of the alleged hack remain uncertain.
However, the episode underscores a broader reality of modern conflict: wars are no longer fought solely with missiles and troops, but also through digital systems, broadcast networks and online platforms.
