A significant incident unfolded on March 2, 2026, when a popular Iranian sports channel, reportedly IRIB TV3, experienced a hacking event. This cyber attack displayed a split-screen video featuring US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Iranians to oppose their government.
The video clip, lasting 36 seconds, was shared by the Russian-linked outlet RT_com. It depicted Trump delivering a speech adorned with a "USA" cap, while Netanyahu spoke from his office, both messages subtitled in Persian. The subtitles included calls for action against the Islamic regime and highlighted military interventions and sanctions.
This event coincided with major US-Israeli military strikes in Iran, which resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and approximately 40 other officials, as reported by Iranian state television. Following the broadcast, a blackout occurred, suggesting a disruption in the channel's regular programming.
The incident is part of a broader trend of cyber operations, which also includes Israel's reported hack of an Iranian prayer app. While reactions on social media have been mixed, some observers draw parallels to psychological operations from previous conflicts, reflecting the evolving landscape of digital warfare and propaganda.