WANA (Jul 10) – The hacker group Handala has published a new batch of documents allegedly obtained through a cyberattack on the Iran International network. In their latest message, the group reveals the influential role of an individual named “Nadia” in shaping the editorial direction of the channel.

 

According to the leaked files, Nadia has not only been a consistent and influential member of Iran International’s newsroom in recent years but has also played a key role in determining editorial tone, selecting headlines, and framing stories. The documents suggest her role had remained hidden from the public eye until now.

 

One excerpt from the group’s message reads: “Nadia, you’ve long operated behind the scenes… The headlines, the angles, the frameworks—many carried your silent signature. Those who watched closely knew: you weren’t just part of the newsroom; you crafted the narrative.”

 

The message also claims that Nadia has been quietly preparing to relocate permanently to Iran International’s headquarters in London. However, the group issues a warning, saying: “This window may close sooner than you think… Patterns are recorded, and timelines match.”

 

The tone of the message suggests that Handala possesses specific and verifiable information about Nadia’s role and may release it to the public in the near future.

An image related to the disclosure was published by Handala. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Handala Targets Another Insider: “Farnoush” Named in Editorial Leadership Role

In a continuation of its disclosures, Handala has issued another statement targeting a lesser-known but reportedly influential figure within Iran International: an individual named Farnoush.

 

The hackers claim Farnoush’s involvement extended beyond technical or operational responsibilities. Instead, she is said to have played an active and decisive role in high-level editorial decisions.

 

The statement reads: “You weren’t just executing decisions; in more than one instance, you chose the path yourself.”

 

The group highlights that documents, meetings, and files bearing Farnoush’s name indicate her deep involvement across various stages—from regional editorial desks to final decisions made before transferring content to Dubai.

 

Handala adds: “When a supporting role is exposed, it becomes more dangerous than the lead… Opportunities don’t last forever, Farnoush. Sometimes silence is the only way out.”

An image related to the disclosure was published by Handala. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Arghavan Shams Accused of Promoting LGBTQ+ Issues in Iran

In further disclosures, Handala targets Arghavan Shams, a journalist and content producer affiliated with Iran International. The group alleges that Shams has been responsible for monitoring and promoting LGBTQ+ topics inside Iran.

 

According to the report, Shams is formally employed by Iran International and has been tasked with shaping public opinion within Iran around Western-supported sexual identity narratives. These efforts, the hackers argue, are seen by some observers as part of a broader cultural strategy aimed at undermining traditional Iranian values.

An image related to the disclosure was published by Handala. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Mehdi Tajik Accused of Narrative Engineering Within Iran International

In another release, Handala identifies Mehdi Tajik as a highly influential yet lesser-known figure within Iran International’s media structure. Tajik, now reportedly involved in recruitment and structuring the network’s human resources, is accused of playing a key role in shaping oppositional narratives against Iran.

 

The message references his past role during the 2009 unrest in Tehran, claiming Tajik used his MacBook and contributed to the now-defunct Jaras website—which, while appearing independent, allegedly followed a coordinated editorial agenda.

 

Handala alleges that Tajik was the unseen hand behind Jaras’s content structure and has continued that role within Iran International, stating: “The channel may appear journalistic, but its decision-making engine runs from Tajik’s desk.”

 

The statement continues: “Narrative engineering, ideological filtering, and strategic recruitment”—these, according to Handala, define Tajik’s approach from his time at Jaras to his current position in the London studios.

 

The group warns that while public figures often attract the spotlight, “In the final round of revelations, the spotlight will first fall on figures like Tajik—those who engineered the stage from behind the curtain.”

An image related to the disclosure was published by Handala. Social media/ WANA News Agency