Iran-Israel Psychological Warfare Escalates Across Internet, Regional Audiences

The recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran saw intense psychological and information warfare, including Israeli disinformation campaigns using AI-driven propaganda targeting both Iranian and Israeli populations. Prior to Israel's bombing of Evin prison in Tehran, Persian-language social media posts encouraged freeing prisoners, but these were later revealed to be part of an Israeli ruse to destabilize Iran. The conflict resulted in hundreds of casualties and highlighted the escalating use of AI and social media as tools of influence in modern warfare. Commentary suggests that Iran's pursuit of nuclear capabilities is driven by a desire for security and deterrence, with unresolved regional issues like the Palestinian conflict complicating prospects for lasting peace. Additionally, the psychological toll of ongoing conflicts is evident within Israeli society, where soldiers face rising mental health crises and increased suicides, underscoring the human cost of prolonged warfare and institutional neglect. This multifaceted struggle illustrates the complex intersection of military, technological, and psychological dimensions shaping Middle Eastern conflicts today.