24 May 2026

Iran Is Winning the Vibe War

Foreign Policy  |  Peter Benzoni
Iran has emerged as the "internet's main character" in a new era of propaganda, effectively leveraging AI-generated content, Lego diss rap videos, and embassy "shitposts" to shift its global image. This strategic pivot comes despite Iran being widely perceived as a pariah state massacring protesters just 100 days prior. The article highlights Iran's success in this "vibe war" even as the White House, under the Trump administration, attempts similar tactics with its own AI-generated content and combative memes, but fails to achieve similar impact. The analysis suggests that this form of propaganda is most effective when "punching up," a dynamic not applicable to a superpower like the U.S. that is "dropping the bombs." This development signifies a critical shift in the landscape of disinformation, demanding new frameworks for experts to understand and counter state-sponsored influence operations in the age of AI.

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