WANA (August 12) – General Ali Mohammad Naeini, the Deputy for Public Relations of the IRGC, addressed participants at a training seminar for Basij educators in Mashhad.

 

He highlighted that approximately twelve distinct frameworks within Western think tanks are designed to challenge the Islamic Republic, which is thoroughly examined in the publication “Principles and Mechanisms of Soft Warfare.” He pointed out various theories related to intrinsic, behavioral, governance, and institutional threats that underpin the risks faced by Iran.

 

At present, Naeini remarked that the Islamic Republic of Iran is involved in a multifaceted conflict where adversaries strategically employ all elements of power, continuously generating narratives and media content. Western research institutions have recognized Iran’s advancements, even while attempts to characterize it as isolated and unstable persist.

 

He praised the IRGC’s effective engagement in diverse social, cultural, and economic sectors.

 

He noted a considerable discrepancy between the idealized image of the IRGC and its existing public perception, primarily due to a lack of focus on cognitive warfare and narrative development. To bridge this gap, he emphasized the importance of effectively communicating the IRGC’s contributions and successes.

 

Naeini also stressed the necessity of leveraging modern technologies and media to improve the IRGC’s public image, especially as cognitive warfare grows in relevance. The IRGC, being a formidable and community-supported institution, frequently becomes a target for negative portrayals in media narratives.

 

Despite its strong track record in responding to natural disasters and social issues, Naeini admitted deficiencies in media strategies that need to be rectified.

 

In conclusion, he referred to the recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh as part of a coordinated operation aimed at inciting turmoil and threatening national security, underscoring the critical need for a trustworthy and transparent narrative concerning the ongoing investigations.