A reflection on the media policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Confronting U.S. soft war in Iraq; Objectives and strategies

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Olfati Seyed Ali; Rabiei Ali; Rahimi AbdolRahim; Valikhani Dehaghani Mashallah

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Journal Paper

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Journal: Strategic Studies of Culture Year:2025 | Volume:5 | Issue:2 Page(s): 85-114

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Title

A reflection on the media policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Confronting U.S. soft war in Iraq; Objectives and strategies

Author(s)

Olfati Seyed Ali | Rabiei Ali | Rahimi AbdolRahim | Valikhani Dehaghani Mashallah | Issue Writer Certificate

Keywords

Media Policymaking

Iran

America

Iraq

Soft War

Abstract

Problem Statement:Entering the 21st century, the concept of warfare has undergone functional and substantive transformation, with the notion of "soft war" becoming one of the most critical tools employed by major powers to influence the domestic and foreign policies of other nations. The United States, as one of the foremost actors in international affairs, has utilized various instruments of Soft Warfare to advance its foreign policy objectives. In West Asia, particularly in the aftermath of the 2003 Iraq War, the application of Soft War has become a central strategy for Washington to weaken regional rivals and manage the region’s socio-political developments. Iraq, as a pivotal country in the region and an important neighbor of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has emerged as a primary battleground for this form of confrontation. The widespread presence of Western media outlets, social media platforms, and U.S. public diplomacy activities in Iraq aim to shift public opinion and influence Iran’s behavior in the country.In response, the Islamic Republic of Iran is acutely aware of the importance of Soft War and its profound impact on Iraq’s political and social developments. Iran’s influence in Iraq has been reinforced over the years not only for political and security reasons but also due to deep-rooted cultural and historical ties and religious commonalities between the two nations. Within this context, the present study is grounded in the question: How are the objectives and strategies of Iran’s media policy shaped in confronting the U.S. Soft War in Iraq?Research Objectives:This study aims to examine the media policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in response to the U.S. Soft War in Iraq. It seeks to answer the main research question: How are the objectives and strategies of Iran's media engagement in this confrontation formulated?Methodology:This research employs a qualitative methodology using the focus group method. Fifteen experts in the fields of media, security, and policy-making participated in the study. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.Key Findings:The findings indicate that the United States, through the use of media and cultural tools, seeks to culturally transform Iraq, deepen ethnic and sectarian divides, and undermine Iran’s influence. In response, Iran’s media policy should be based on concepts such as image management and branding, strengthening Iraqi national and religious identity, legitimizing Iran’s role, supporting aligned movements, and countering U.S. security threats. Strategic priorities also include promoting the Islamic lifestyle, producing engaging media content, and collaborating with Iraqi media elites.Conclusion:To enhance the effectiveness of Iran’s media policy in Iraq, it is essential to establish a specialized center for public opinion research and monitoring in key Iraqi provinces. Iran’s media policy must utilize modern communication technologies to produce localized, entertaining content aligned with Iraqi public tastes, and formulate a comprehensive and intelligent plan to confront the U.S. media war—both defensively and offensively.

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