Iranian state media has launched a propaganda campaign emphasizing nationalist and military themes to project an image of national unity [1, 2].
This shift in messaging comes as the government attempts to mask deep internal divisions and social unrest. By pivoting away from traditional religious rhetoric, the state aims to consolidate support around a shared sense of national strength and identity [1, 2].
The campaign follows a deadly crackdown on protests that exposed significant rifts within the country [1, 2]. State media is now prioritizing imagery and narratives that highlight military capabilities and nationalist pride, a strategic move to demonstrate cohesion to both domestic and international audiences [1, 2].
Observers said the propaganda apparatus is moving away from purely theological justifications for governance. Instead, the current push focuses on the state's role as the protector of the nation and its borders [1, 2]. This transition suggests a calculated effort to appeal to a broader segment of the population that may feel disconnected from the regime's religious messaging but remains patriotic [1, 2].
Despite these efforts to portray a unified front, the underlying tensions from the recent unrest persist [1, 2]. The government continues to utilize state-controlled channels to drown out dissenting voices and replace narratives of instability with displays of military power [1, 2].
“Iranian state media has launched a propaganda campaign emphasizing nationalist and military themes.”
The transition from religious to nationalist propaganda indicates that the Iranian government recognizes the diminishing effectiveness of theological appeals in maintaining social control. By leveraging military strength and national identity, the regime is attempting to pivot its legitimacy toward a more secular, state-centric model of stability to survive internal volatility.
