Iran Threatens To Seize U.S. Ships; IRGC Calls Out 'Media War'
U.S. Sailors Arrive in the Red Sea Amid Regional Unrest
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August 08, 2023
General Ramezan Sharif, the spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized Iran's growing regional influence. The Islamic Republic stated its capability to seize American vessels if the U.S. were to confiscate Iranian ships, Iran media reports wrote. The statements were made amid rising tensions between the two nations and an ongoing battle in the media.
Sharif's remarks underscore the growing perception in the region that Iran is emerging as a significant power. He noted that recent confrontations between Iran and the U.S. have highlighted America's perceived weaknesses and bolstered the image of Iran as a formidable force. Meanwhile, thousands of U.S. troops have reportedly arrived in the Red Sea, amid the growing tensions.
Sharif stressed that the security of the Persian Gulf must be maintained by the regional countries and warned that any U.S. provocations would be met with reciprocal actions from Iran.
The IRGC spokesman also aimed hostile media outlets, accusing them of attempting to demoralize the Iranian populace and of launching smear campaigns against the country's revolutionary officials. Sharif called on Iranian media to counteract these efforts and strengthen national morale.
On Sunday, Major General Hossein Salami, the top commander of the IRGC, spoke at a ceremony commemorating Reporters Day, characterizing the current situation as a “grand cultural battle” and a “war of perception.” He portrayed the ongoing struggle as a “media world war” with global implications, involving not only Iran but other Islamic nations seeking independence.
Salami criticized Western media's distortion of facts, accusing them of representing inhumane actions such as torture and displacement as components of human rights. He argued that sympathy for the underprivileged is falsely portrayed as support for terrorism and lamented how occupation is depicted as liberation.
In a pointed example, Salami referred to CNN's coverage, stating that the network "often runs the wars, making the ugly atmosphere seem like a dream with pictures and words." He hailed sincere journalists as "creators and writers of facts," warning that opponents in this media war attempt to alter values.
Beyond the media battlefield, General Salami also cautioned about potential unrest in Iran, drawing attention to a possible enemy plot related to the anniversary of riots in September 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini. Speaking at a conference in Tehran, Salami described last year's disturbances as the "most severe, most dangerous, most serious, most unequal, and most massive global battle" against Iran.
Salami emphasized the nation's readiness and asserted that prevention would be the key to thwarting any hostile schemes.
These strong statements from Iranian officials come at a time when the relationship between Iran and the U.S. remains fraught with complexity. They reflect not only the military and political dimensions but also the struggle to control narratives and public perception.
The emphasis on media manipulation and a perceived "media world war" adds a new layer to the confrontation, underscoring the importance of information and propaganda in modern geopolitics. It also highlights the vital role of media in shaping opinions and fostering national solidarity.