The Iranian regime is using a new approach to war propaganda, including taking full advantage of artificial intelligence in its online content.

In fact, these new tactics are yielding success according to The Economist. The outlet’s new analysis featured ISD’s research, citing Joseph Bodner and Krysia Sikora’s finding that two pro-Iran networks received than a billion views on X in the first month of the war. 

The outlet also spoke to ISD’s Moustafa Ayad about how Iran has been able to take advantage of modern-day internet subcultures in their content.  

“The Iranians have been able to tap into the zeitgeist…through really good use of internet subcultures, memes [and] animations.”  

Moustafa highlights that this strategy allows for Iran’s anti-US messaging to not come from mouths of Iranian leaders but Lego versions of them, “who look like fun.” 

The full article is available on The Economist.