WANA (Apr 03) – In the contemporary world, power equations are not determined solely on the battlefield; sometimes, the hull of a ballistic missile becomes a medium more influential than major news agencies. In these days of Iran and U.S.-Israeli war, Iranian missiles land in cyberspace and global public opinion long before they strike their targets.

 

The slogans, sentences, and pictures included on the bodies of these missiles have transcended military tradition, becoming a symbol of international solidarity against imperialism, occupation, and genocide. These “missile messages” have forged a link between the bloodshed in the region and the awakened consciences in the heart of the West.

 

Honoring the Heroes of Conscience

One of the most prominent dimensions of this phenomenon is the commemoration of individuals from Western societies who rose up against injustice.

The inclusion of the names and images of Aaron Bushnell—the U.S. Air Force officer who set himself on fire in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington to protest the genocide in Gaza—and Rachel Corrie—the American peace activist who lost her life under the treads of Israeli bulldozers during protests in Rafah—has garnered widespread reflection.

 

This action triggered admiring reactions. For instance, Susan Abulhawa, the renowned Palestinian-American author, wrote in amazement: “Iran is the only government to honor these American heroes, whose deaths have been ignored by the U.S. political and media Epstein class.”

 

The Echo of “Erbakan’s” Voice

In another layer, these missile messages are linked to the symbols of Islamic awakening in the region. During the 88th operational wave of “True Promise 4,” a quote from the late anti-Zionist Turkish Prime Minister, Necmettin Erbakan, was included on the missile bodies: “Israel does not understand the language of words; it must be spoken to with the language of force.”

This message not only recalled Erbakan’s legacy but also created a wave within Turkey itself. Fatih Erbakan, his son and the leader of the “New Welfare Party” (Yeniden Refah), reshared his father’s stances against the Kürecik radar station, emphasizing the necessity of the immediate closure of this base, which serves the interests of imperialism.

 

Mavi Marmara: A Revenge Never Forgotten

Commemorating those killed on the Mavi Marmara ship—who were slain by Israeli commandos in 2010 while attempting to break the siege of Gaza—formed another part of these “steel messages.”

 

Turkish social media users shared images of these missile markings, expressing gratitude to Iran and writing: “From now on, let no one say the revenge for the Mavi Marmara martyrs has not been taken.” This demonstrates that these missile messages have succeeded in healing the wounded sentiments of the nations in the region.

From Epstein Island to the “No Kings” Cry

In a strategic move aimed at targeting the social and moral fissures within the Western power structure, some missile messages were dedicated to the victims of the Epstein Island crimes and the “No Kings” protest movements in America.

 

These messages demonstrate a media-savvy awareness of the behavioral contradictions of self-proclaimed human rights advocates, establishing a direct connection with the protesting masses in Western societies.

Gratitude Across the Geography of Resistance: From Gaza to Kashmir

The missile messages also function as a “gratitude.” Messages honoring the fallen journalists of Gaza and commanders like Abu Obeida were met with an enthusiastic reception from Arab users.

 

Furthermore, messages of appreciation for the people of Kashmir—who have consistently supported the Resistance Front despite internal pressures—showed that this military action is deeply rooted in the emotional bonds between nations. One of these messages read: “On your behalf, we shall take revenge on the killers of our leader.”

The Clash of Symbols: Shifting the Balance in Media Warfare

The most contemplative aspect of this phenomenon is the shift in the media paradigm on the battlefield. In past decades, the tradition of writing messages on bombs and missiles was primarily the monopoly of Western militaries—and the Israeli military in particular.

 

Messages themed around death and destruction were repeatedly broadcast across global media to instill a sense of “superiority” and “aggression.”

 

Today, however, Iran has broken this monopoly over the media tool and completely transformed its content. While in the Israeli tradition, missile messages were a tool for displaying hatred, in “Iranian missile messages,” the missile’s hull has been turned into a podium for praising peacemakers, honoring fallen journalists, and sympathizing with the victims of moral crimes in the West (including the victims of Epstein Island).

This shift represents a “cultural counter-attack.” With the very same tool the enemy once used to humiliate the oppressed, Iran now sends the names of the heroes of global conscience into the sky.

 

Iran’s missile messages have demonstrated that in today’s world, hard power (the missile) and soft power (the media) are inextricably intertwined. These markings have transformed the missile into an “ambassador of justice-seeking” that crosses geographical borders and keeps alive the names of those whom mainstream Western media attempted to boycott.

A mural in Valiasr Square that featured the phrase “Until the world finds rest” and depicts Iranian missiles with messages like “In Memory of the Girls of Minab,” “Victims of Epstein Island,” and “Erasing Evil.” Social media/ WANA News Agency