In recent days, coinciding with incidents and unrest in certain areas of the country, narratives emerged in hostile media and social networks claiming “women’s leadership in the riots.“
This claim is based less on on-the-ground realities and more on media framing and the psychological warfare of the enemy. An examination of evidence and analyses by security institutions and reputable domestic media indicates that these incidents were not spontaneous in nature but were designed within the framework of an organized rebellion guided from abroad, as part of a hybrid warfare project against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The primary management and direction of these activities were carried out through virtual networks by elements based outside the country, and what was observed inside the country was largely a reflection of psychological operations, incitement of emotions, and induced excitement, rather than the emergence of real leadership on the ground.
Amid this, hostile media, by highlighting the limited presence of some women on the scene, attempted to construct a false image of a “women’s uprising.” This targeted image-building was part of the enemy’s psychological warfare to garner global public sympathy, provoke domestic sentiments, and tarnish the image of the Islamic system.
Women hold a symbolic and influential position in Islamic-Iranian culture, and the enemy, aware of this, deliberately attempted to use the image of women as the vanguard of the unrest. While a very limited number of individuals, which may include some women, were influenced by these media fabrications and became tools in the hands of hostile networks, they were not independent leaders or decision-makers on the ground.
From the perspective of the Islamic system, dealing with any legal violations is carried out solely based on the law, without regard to the gender of individuals. The judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran treats male and female offenders equally, with the criterion being unlawful actions, not the gender of the individual. At the same time, the Islamic system makes a clear distinction between a conscious, committed, and revolutionary Muslim woman and an individual who, knowingly or unknowingly, engages in unlawful activities.
The real and impactful agency of Iranian women in recent events was manifested not in joining the riots but in defending the security, stability, and awareness of society. Iranian women, through their passionate and widespread participation in recent demonstrations, showed that in critical moments, they stand with the nation and the system.
Mothers and wives of martyrs and veterans, with their enlightening words and clear stances, called on society to exercise patience, vigilance, and maintain calm. Women active in the media and cyberspace played a significant role in enlightening the public, exposing the true objectives of the rioters, and countering the enemy’s rumors and falsehoods. Female educators, teachers, and social activists also explained the truths in educational and social environments, preventing the atmosphere of sedition from dominating the minds of the younger generation. Additionally, Basiji women, medical staff, and jihadi forces had an effective and responsible presence in the fields of service delivery, ensuring security, and aiding the injured.
In conclusion, it is clear from the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the claim of women’s leadership in the riots lacks analytical and on-the-ground credibility and is part of the enemy’s psychological warfare project. This fabricated narrative is designed to distort the historical role of the Iranian Muslim woman and diminish her position as a guardian of Islamic and revolutionary values. The experience of recent events
once again demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of Iranian women, with insight and awareness, not only avoided falling into the enemy’s trap of sedition but were at the forefront of neutralizing conspiracies and safeguarding national security and unity through enlightenment, on-the-ground presence, and conscious defense of the country.
Faeze Aghamohammady