Israel Steps Up Psychological Warfare Over Possible Iran Strike
WANA (Aug 02) – A few weeks after the 12‑day war between Iran and Israel, Tel Aviv has entered a new phase of confrontation — one fought not on the battlefield but through fabricated news and psychological operations. The Israeli regime has tasked its affiliated networks in Persian‑language social media with producing large volumes of content suggesting an imminent new attack on Iran, aiming to keep Iranian public opinion in a state of constant anxiety and uncertainty.
1. Escalating the “Imminent Attack” Scenario
In recent weeks, Persian‑language social media has witnessed an unprecedented flood of content from accounts linked to Israel. The agenda is clear: to instill the belief that a second attack on Iran is both inevitable and imminent.
A striking example came from the Telegram channel Terror Alarm, which released a video of Israeli fighter jets refueling midair, captioned with the message: “The second phase of the liberation of Iran will begin soon.”
Telegram channel Terror Alarm, which released a video of Israeli fighter jets refueling midair, captioned with the message:
“The second phase of the liberation of Iran will begin soon.” . Social Media / WANA News Agency
This carefully crafted statement was designed not only to provoke fear but also to convey that even after the ceasefire, Israel is preparing for “Round Two.” The goal is to trap the Iranian public psyche in a constant state of anticipating another strike.
2. Exploiting U.S. Rhetoric
The harsh remarks of Donald Trump and the explicit threats made by Israel’s defense minister have provided fodder for this psychological warfare. Hebrew‑language outlets and affiliated social media platforms have widely circulated excerpts of these statements in Persian, portraying the illusion of an operational coalition against Iran.
The aim is clear: to fabricate an image of a global consensus for an “imminent attack,” even though in the actual realm of politics, such a consensus does not currently exist.
By repeatedly broadcasting the message that “war is on the way,” Tel Aviv seeks to disrupt Iran’s security calculations and prevent the Iranian public from regaining psychological stability.
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3. International Pressure and Netanyahu’s Risk Calculations
Meanwhile, diplomatic developments have reached a critical point for Israel. The International Conference on Palestine at the UN (July 27–29), attended by 125 countries and co‑chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, dealt a significant blow to Israel.
The UN Security Council president emphasized that this move was “not symbolic,” noting that recognition of Palestine by some European states constituted “an effective and important step.” French President Emmanuel Macron announced that in September, at the UN General Assembly, France would officially recognize Palestine — the first such act by a G7 member. The UK has also threatened to follow suit before September.
Analyst Abdel Bari Atwan argued that this wave of recognition stems less from genuine sympathy and more from a desire to reduce global outrage against Israel, especially after its failure to achieve objectives in Gaza. Yet under such mounting pressure, Netanyahu may be driven toward unpredictable moves — including escalation with Iran. In other words, Israel’s internal psychological warfare is intertwined with risky external calculations.
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4. Preventing Normalization of Public Opinion in Iran
Israel knows well that a calm Iranian public equates to stronger deterrence for Tehran. Hence, within less than 24 hours, several “breaking news” stories — entirely fabricated — were spread on Persian‑language social media:
- A supposed Russian warning of an imminent strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities;
- Claims of European embassies evacuating from Tehran;
- Allegations that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council was being restructured due to Mossad infiltration.
All three were denied within hours, yet the intent was unmistakable: to cultivate a sense of chronic instability and insecurity.
Allegations that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council was being restructured due to Mossad infiltration by Terror Alarm. Social Media / WANA News Agency
Israel aims to keep the Iranian psyche unsettled, mirroring the atmosphere in the occupied territories where Israelis live under constant sirens due to Yemeni rockets and drones. It is an environment where society never reaches a state of “normalcy.”
This psychological war also seeks to disrupt the calculations of Iran’s military, pushing them to misjudge the timing or nature of any possible next strike. Meanwhile, Iranian commanders have consistently emphasized readiness. Just this morning, Major General Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, declared: “We are advancing preparedness programs across three timelines: short‑term, mid‑term, and long‑term.”
From Terror Alarm’s fighter jet videos to headlines about a supposed “Iran Defense Council,” all are components of a multilayered psychological war. Israel knows that on the military front it cannot easily achieve its goals against Iran and its allies; hence, it has shifted the battle into the arena of Iranian public opinion. The message is clear: “Iran must remain on constant alert.”
Yet what many observers cannot overlook is the internal contradiction of this project. While Israel tries to present itself as the “savior of the world,” it is simultaneously facing a growing wave of political isolation triggered by the recognition of a Palestinian state. Diplomatically, Israel has never been so alone.
Tel Aviv is attempting to mask its weaknesses by amplifying threats. But playing with the Iranian public’s perception may prove as dangerous as an actual strike — for in this game, the line between illusion and reality grows thinner by the day.
