Western media increasingly portrays the US-Iran conflict not as it is, but as it wishes it were, with Iranian propaganda gaining dominance.
Narrative Over Reality
In every war, narrative diverges from reality, and the conflict with Iran is no exception. This separation was particularly evident during World War II, when delusional plans were made in Berlin while the city was under siege.
Iran’s narrative similarly departs from reality. Following a temporary ceasefire announcement by Donald Trump, Ayatollahs declared victory and presented terms as if dictating to a defeated opponent.
AI-Generated Propaganda
One Iranian embassy even published an AI-generated video depicting the American president surrendering, complete with a white flag and kneeling gesture.
Western Acceptance of the Narrative
This would be merely anecdotal if Western commentators hadn’t largely adopted this propaganda. The idea that America “essentially” lost, even while winning, is now widespread.
An interview in a Polish newspaper with a specialist in Zoroastrianism began with the question of whether it was strange that the supposedly victorious US president agreed to uranium enrichment and war reparations – conditions initially presented by Iran but dismissed by the White House.
The Scale of Iranian Losses
Over six weeks, Iran lost dozens of high-ranking officials, its entire naval and air force, most of its missile and drone capabilities, and much of its air defense systems. Factories, barracks, and weapon depots were destroyed, and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon were decimated.
Uranium enrichment facilities and port infrastructure crucial for trade with Russia were also targeted.
Media’s Role in Shaping Perception
These immense infrastructural losses have been largely absent from international discourse, because they haven’t captured the attention of news outlets. There’s been no comprehensive reporting on the military consequences of the US-Israeli operation, nor consistent coverage of the conflict’s progression.
Instead, media focused on every Iranian missile and drone reaching Israel or US bases, leading to greater public awareness of American losses than Iranian ones.
Differing Views on the Use of Force
Nadim Koteich, a Lebanese commentator, argues that the West’s perception stems from a fundamental difference in views on the use of force. He suggests America is the last Western democracy still believing in force as a legitimate tool for maintaining order.
Europe’s Reluctance to Acknowledge US Strength
This reluctance to acknowledge American strength is also driven by Europe’s inability to defend itself independently, leading to an attempt to gain rhetorical and moral leverage over the US. This strategy may be based on the hope that a Democratic administration will eventually succeed Trump.
Underlying this is also a potential antisemitic and pro-Islamist sentiment.
Poland’s Historical Context
In Poland, a tradition of resistance against overwhelming forces—celebrating lost uprisings and honoring doomed partisans—leads to an instinctive sympathy for the underdog, now projected onto the Iranian regime. However, Iran’s defeat is a positive development for the world.