Iran's Response to Israeli Psychological Warfare
In the face of escalating tensions, Iran is actively countering what it perceives as Israeli psychological warfare aimed at undermining its influence. Recent discussions in Tehran emphasize the multifaceted strategies employed by Israel to destabilize Iranian morale and political stability. These tactics include spreading rumors about the effectiveness of Iran's military leadership, particularly targeting figures like Quds Force Commander Major General Esmail Qaani. Such propaganda aims to create a sense of vulnerability within Iran, portraying it as unable to defend its interests against Israeli aggressions.
Iran's strategy to combat this psychological assault is comprehensive, incorporating political, media, and military dimensions. Officials, including Brigadier General Hossein Daqqi, stress the importance of clarifying Iran's position and refuting negative narratives. They argue that the absence of leaders from public view does not indicate weakness but rather a focus on their critical responsibilities.
Counteracting Psychological Warfare through Media and Information Control
To effectively manage the flow of information, Iran is leveraging its local media to reinforce national resilience against external pressures. By broadcasting messages that highlight Iran's deterrent power and successes against Israeli operations, Tehran aims to shift public perception and maintain morale. Political researcher Afifa Abedi notes that the absence of ethical standards in the media war, particularly from Israel and its allies, complicates the situation, as they produce misleading content without repercussions.
Moreover, experts like Muhammad Ali Sanobari highlight the evolving nature of psychological warfare, which now often precedes military confrontations. He suggests that Iran's struggle against this form of warfare reflects broader vulnerabilities in its political and social fabric. In this context, the Iranian populace increasingly seeks information from foreign media, which can exacerbate the psychological impact of Israel's campaigns.
