Pro-Iran groups use AI tools to shape online war narratives

AI propaganda

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in online influence campaigns during geopolitical conflicts. Recent reports show that pro-Iran or Iran‑linked groups have used AI tools to shape narratives around the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

These campaigns focus on influencing global public opinion through digital media. AI allows various actors to create memes, images, and videos quickly and cheaply.

Experts say this represents a new phase of information warfare where online narratives matter as much as military actions. The strategy highlights how technology is reshaping modern propaganda efforts.

AI tools used strategically

Pro-Iran online groups have reportedly used generative AI to produce polished digital content supporting their perspective on the conflict. These tools help create images, memes, and videos that spread rapidly across social media platforms.

Analysts say AI dramatically lowers the cost and effort required to produce propaganda material. In some cases, this includes semi‑official or loosely coordinated networks, as well as independent activists and grifters. 

The result is a high volume of persuasive content targeting global audiences. Such tools also enable quick adaptation to breaking news events. This makes AI a powerful tool for shaping online narratives.

English language targeting strategy

Many of the AI-generated posts are written in English and designed specifically for Western audiences. The messaging often uses humor, satire, and references to American pop culture. Analysts say this strategy aims to influence public opinion in the United States and Europe.

By communicating in English, the content can reach a much larger international audience. The campaigns attempt to foster skepticism about Western involvement in the conflict. This approach shows how propaganda strategies have become globalized.

Memes targeting US leaders

Many AI-generated memes focus on mocking or criticizing American political figures. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been a frequent target of these satirical posts, but other U.S. officials and military figures also appear in similar content.

The memes use humor and exaggerated imagery to undermine political credibility. Analysts say satire helps such content spread more widely online.

Memes are easy to understand and share, making them effective propaganda tools. AI technologies have accelerated the creation of these viral formats.

Viral Lego style videos

One of the most notable examples involves AI-generated Lego-style or Lego‑inspired animated videos circulating online. These animations parody political leaders and military events in a humorous way. The content combines music, satire, and pop-culture references to attract viewers.

Some of the videos have gone viral across platforms like TikTok and X. In many of these videos, Donald Trump is a prominent figure, although other U.S. officials and public figures also appear. 

Analysts say this style makes propaganda feel entertaining rather than overtly political. Such creative formats help the message spread more effectively.

Fun fact: Investigations found that some pro-Iran AI propaganda content is produced by repeat online studios like “Akhbar Enfejari”, which consistently publish coordinated memes, animations, and political satire across different platforms

Possible government connections

Experts believe some of the groups producing the content may have links to or loose coordination with Iranian authorities. Iran’s government tightly controls internet access inside the country.

Because of this, analysts say large-scale online campaigns likely require some level of official tolerance, approval, or indirect cooperation. 

However, analysts also emphasize that not all AI‑generated propaganda is directly controlled by the Iranian state, and some content may come from independent activists, grifters, or loosely aligned networks.

Some of the AI-generated content has also been shared by Iranian state media outlets. This suggests at least indirect coordination between activists and government messaging.

However, direct government control is difficult to prove and should not be assumed for every piece of content.

Propaganda as information warfare

Researchers describe these campaigns as part of a broader “information war.” Instead of relying solely on military force, governments now compete to control public perception online. Propaganda campaigns aim to influence how global audiences interpret events.

If successful, they can weaken support for opponents or shift international opinion. AI tools make it easier to launch large-scale digital influence operations. This reflects a growing trend in modern geopolitical conflicts.

Social media amplification

Platforms such as X, TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram have played a major role in spreading AI-generated propaganda during the Iran conflict. Engaging memes, animations, and fake war clips have reached large audiences quickly across social media.

The speed and scale of social sharing often allow misleading content to circulate widely before it is verified, labeled, or removed.

Fun fact: During the conflict, researchers identified AI-generated images and videos of bombings and captured soldiers that never actually happened, yet they still spread widely online.

Targeting western public opinion

The goal of these campaigns is often to influence public opinion in Western countries. Analysts say the messaging attempts to create skepticism about military actions or foreign policy decisions.  

Much of the content focuses on civilian casualties, escalation risks, or perceived hypocrisy in Western policy, trying to frame Iran as defending itself rather than acting aggressively.

By encouraging debate or disagreement, such campaigns can weaken political support for conflicts. This indirect strategy allows smaller actors to challenge more powerful nations.

Information influence has become a key component of modern geopolitical competition. AI tools have made these strategies more accessible.

Rapid content production

Generative AI allows propaganda creators to produce large amounts of content quickly. Images, videos, and text posts can be generated in minutes using modern tools. This speed allows campaigns to respond instantly to political developments.

Teams behind some viral campaigns report producing new videos within hours of major events, using AI tools to script, animate, and render content in near real‑time. 

Traditional propaganda required professional designers and editors, making it slower and more expensive. AI eliminates many of these barriers. As a result, influence campaigns can operate at unprecedented scale.

Challenges for social platforms

Social media companies struggle to detect and moderate AI-generated propaganda. Automated tools can produce realistic images or videos that are difficult to verify. Moderation systems often rely on user reports or manual review, which can take time.

 In some cases, AI‑generated content has reached millions of viewers before being identified or removed. Experts warn that platforms must develop better detection technologies. Otherwise, AI-driven misinformation may continue spreading widely.

Growing global influence trend

The use of AI for propaganda is not limited to Iran. Governments and political groups worldwide increasingly experiment with similar strategies.

Russia, China, and other actors have also been accused of using AI-generated imagery, videos, and memes in influence campaigns, suggesting that Iran’s tactics are part of a wider global pattern rather than a unique case.

These developments show how digital technologies are reshaping international competition beyond any single country. Information warfare is becoming a major element of modern conflict. Analysts expect such campaigns to expand in the future.

Want to understand the role of AI in war reporting? Here’s how the USA Today podcast discusses how AI is being used in the Iran war.

Final thoughts on AI narratives

The use of AI by pro-Iran or Iran‑linked groups highlights how conflicts now extend far beyond traditional battlefields. Digital propaganda campaigns aim to influence global perceptions and political debates.

AI tools allow content creators to produce persuasive media quickly and distribute it worldwide. In many cases, the same AI tools are used both for genuine satire and for deliberate disinformation, making it harder for audiences to tell them apart.

While these campaigns can be effective, they also raise concerns about misinformation and manipulation. Analysts caution that the real‑world impact of these campaigns is still debated, but they clearly contribute to confusion and polarization in public discourse.

Governments and platforms are still developing strategies to respond. The situation illustrates the growing importance of digital literacy in the AI era.

Curious about the move? Here’s why Elon Musk takes action against AI war video monetization.

Do you think AI-generated propaganda will make it harder for people to identify reliable information during global conflicts? Tell us in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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