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Iranian State Media Outlet Amplifies Antisemitic Content in Latin America, ADL Report Finds
A comprehensive report released Tuesday by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveals a troubling escalation of antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric from HispanTV, Iran’s Spanish-language state media operation targeting Latin American audiences. The investigation documents how the outlet has intensified its messaging over the past two years, potentially reaching millions across the Spanish-speaking world.
“The Iranian regime’s media outlet is spreading classic antisemitic conspiracy theories and anti-Israel propaganda to potentially millions of people across Latin America and beyond, making the Islamic Republic a destabilizing force not only in the Middle East, but across the Spanish-speaking world,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt in a statement accompanying the report’s release.
According to the findings, HispanTV consistently portrays Jews and Zionists as controlling world governments through shadowy conspiracies, glorifies terrorist organizations including Hamas and Hezbollah, and has framed the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel as “legitimate and praiseworthy acts of resistance worthy of celebration.”
The report’s timing coincides with an ADL-sponsored event on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference focused on Iran’s expanding influence operations in Latin America, highlighting growing concerns about Tehran’s soft power initiatives in the region.
Media analysts have long noted Iran’s strategic investment in Spanish-language propaganda as part of its broader geopolitical aims. HispanTV, launched in 2012, represents one of Tehran’s most significant efforts to build influence in regions beyond its traditional Middle Eastern sphere, particularly in countries with strained relations with the United States.
The content analysis revealed several consistent narratives throughout HispanTV’s programming, including the promotion of antisemitic tropes about Jewish and Zionist global influence, portrayal of Israel as the center of worldwide conspiracies, explicit support for groups designated as terrorist organizations by numerous countries, and denials of Israel’s right to exist.
“One of the most pervasive themes in HispanTV’s coverage is an antisemitic depiction of Jews and Zionism as an omnipresent, evil force,” the report states, noting how this messaging fits within classic antisemitic propaganda traditions while adapting them for contemporary political contexts.
Particularly concerning to researchers was HispanTV’s response to recent conflicts. The outlet has consistently praised and legitimized Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi movement, while simultaneously downplaying or ignoring high-profile antisemitic attacks targeting Jewish communities globally.
The investigation comes amid rising global antisemitism, with ADL’s Greenblatt warning that “Tehran is funding a massive media propaganda operation that is priming the pump for spreading antisemitism and hate against Israel and Jews the world over.”
The report concludes with several recommendations, urging governments to investigate potential ties between HispanTV and sanctioned Iranian officials and entities, and to consider designating the outlet as a foreign influence operation. It also calls on social media platforms to take moderation action against HispanTV’s pages, satellite companies to reconsider broadcasting its content, and internet hosting companies to cease providing services to the outlet.
“The failure of governments, international organizations, corporations, and others to take meaningful action against HispanTV has allowed the Iranian regime to export its hateful and violent conspiracies around the world,” the report warns. “If this threat is not seriously addressed, the result will likely be the radicalization of Spanish-speaking audiences across Latin America and beyond.”
The findings represent a significant development in understanding how state-sponsored disinformation campaigns cross linguistic and cultural boundaries, potentially affecting regional stability far beyond their country of origin.
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10 Comments
This is a concerning development that deserves close attention. The Iranian regime’s efforts to amplify antisemitic and anti-Israel narratives in Latin America are clearly aimed at sowing division and unrest.
Promoting conspiracy theories and glorifying terrorist groups is a dangerous tactic. I hope the relevant authorities are taking steps to limit the reach and impact of this Iranian state media outlet in Latin America.
Absolutely. Disinformation and extremist rhetoric can have far-reaching and destabilizing effects, so a coordinated response from governments and civil society is crucial.
The Iranian regime’s media outlet is clearly trying to sow discord and division in Latin America through the use of antisemitic propaganda and anti-Israel rhetoric. This is a concerning development that warrants close monitoring and a firm response.
Absolutely. The region must remain vigilant and work together to counter these destabilizing efforts, which pose a threat to social cohesion and regional stability.
The ADL report paints a troubling picture of how Iran is exploiting media channels to spread its ideological agenda in Latin America. Countering this disinformation campaign should be a priority for regional authorities.
I agree, the proliferation of these narratives is a serious threat that requires a robust and coordinated response from governments, civil society, and media organizations in the region.
This escalation of Iranian propaganda in Latin America is concerning. Disinformation and antisemitism can have real-world consequences, so it’s important to monitor and counter these efforts effectively.
I agree, the spread of these narratives needs to be taken seriously. The ADL report highlights the disturbing tactics being used to influence public opinion across the region.
While freedom of expression is important, the deliberate propagation of hateful, extremist, and conspiratorial content should not be tolerated. Latin American countries must be vigilant in addressing this Iranian influence campaign.