Media Propaganda Front Needs Restructuring to Counter Enemy Influence Operations

Iran’s Supreme Leader Calls for Media Reorganization to Counter Western Influence

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has issued a call for a comprehensive restructuring of the country’s media and propaganda apparatus to counteract what he described as Western efforts to capture the “minds, hearts, and beliefs” of Iranians. During a recent address, he emphasized the need for both defensive and offensive strategies in information warfare while asserting that Iran continues to progress despite facing numerous challenges.

Speaking at an event commemorating Lady Fatimah, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, Ayatollah Khamenei urged Muslims to emulate her virtues in various aspects of life, including faith, justice-seeking, family life, and child-rearing, while acknowledging that her qualities are “beyond human comprehension.”

The Supreme Leader devoted significant attention to the role of religious eulogies (maddahi) in Iranian society, describing them as highly influential cultural expressions that require further research to strengthen their impact. He noted their evolution into a cornerstone of what he termed “resistance literature,” suggesting that without appropriate cultural expressions, revolutionary ideas would fade from public consciousness.

“Religious gatherings and eulogies today sustain and expand the language of resistance,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated, highlighting their importance in maintaining revolutionary fervor.

In defining what he meant by “national resistance,” the Supreme Leader characterized it as steadfastness against various forms of pressure applied by global powers. These pressures, according to him, range from military and economic coercion to cultural, political, and media campaigns. He pointed to Western propaganda and political agitation as primary examples of such pressure tactics.

Ayatollah Khamenei argued that the ultimate objectives of what he called “hegemonic powers” extend beyond territorial expansion and resource control to include fundamental changes in lifestyle and, crucially, identity transformation. He recalled that for over a century, global powers have attempted to reshape Iran’s national identity, efforts he claimed were nullified by the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“In recent decades, the Iranian nation has continued to frustrate its enemies through resilience and defiance,” he said.

The Supreme Leader’s remarks highlighted his belief that Iran now stands at the center of a massive propaganda and media conflict rather than just military confrontation. According to Ayatollah Khamenei, the United States leads this effort after realizing Iran cannot be defeated militarily, with support from certain European nations and Iranian expatriates.

“The enemy now seeks to undermine revolutionary values and erase the memory of Imam Khomeini,” he stated, referring to the founder of the Islamic Republic.

In response to these perceived threats, Ayatollah Khamenei called for Iran’s media and cultural institutions to reorganize themselves strategically, focusing particularly on defending Islamic, Shi’a, and revolutionary teachings—areas he identified as primary targets of Western influence operations.

The Leader’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program, regional activities, and human rights issues. International sanctions continue to impact the Iranian economy, while domestic discontent has periodically manifested in public demonstrations in recent years.

Despite these challenges, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed confidence that through “steadfastness, sincerity, goodwill, and pursuit of justice,” Iran would continue to strengthen its position and advance Islamic values. He concluded by affirming that with divine assistance, the country was making progress despite obstacles.

The address underscores the Iranian leadership’s ongoing concern with maintaining ideological cohesion in the face of external cultural and media influences, as well as its emphasis on developing counter-narratives through traditional religious frameworks.