The recent gatherings in Iran initially focused on dissatisfaction with economic and livelihood conditions, but foreign media, by distorting their nature, have attempted to portray them as feminist or cultural-rights movements. This analysis emphasizes that the core protests were essentially driven by inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power, and efforts to redirect them toward identity issues are part of a psychological war against Iran. National unity and genuine attention to the people’s concerns are the keys to overcoming this crisis.
In recent weeks, protest gatherings have emerged in some Iranian cities, quickly drawing the attention of domestic and international media. These protests initially centered on economic and livelihood issues. The grievances at the heart of these gatherings included soaring inflation, exorbitant price increases for essential goods, declining purchasing power, and unemployment. These are tangible realities of people’s daily lives, rooted in complex economic conditions. In their protests, the people demanded improved living conditions and attention to their livelihood problems. These demands are legitimate and understandable, and the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized addressing these concerns.
However, some foreign media outlets, through biased and selective interpretations, have attempted to alter the nature of these movements. By focusing on the presence of women in the gatherings—a natural presence reflecting the participation of half the country’s population—they have tried to portray the entire protests as a feminist movement or an uprising of women. Additionally, by highlighting certain marginal slogans or symbols, they have sought to link the protests to issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, even though these have never been the main focus or demand of the majority of protesters.
This deliberate distortion serves specific objectives: First, diverting attention from the people’s primary economic and livelihood issues and reframing the protests as cultural and identity-based debates. Second, waging psychological and soft warfare against Iran by creating a distorted image and undermining national unity. Third, imposing Western cultural and social values and discourses on Iranian society. Fourth, weakening the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran by pitting it against seemingly progressive demands designed abroad. Fifth, creating a pretext for increasing international pressure on the country under the guise of supporting human rights movements.
The reality of Iranian society shows that women have always played an active and constructive role in various spheres, but this participation occurs within the framework of religious and national values and does not mean reducing the protests to a movement with a Western feminist nature. Regarding issues related to sexual minorities, it must be stated unequivocally that this topic is not only not among the priorities of Iranian society but also that its promotion is clearly in conflict with civil laws, religious principles, and the will of the Iranian people. Iranian society, based on its religious teachings and deep-rooted traditions, has chosen a model of social life founded on family, modesty, and ethics. Efforts to normalize or promote behaviors contrary to this framework represent nothing but organized cultural invasion and the imposition of alien values on a society with an independent identity. Such propaganda, primarily originating from Western media and political centers, aims only to create cultural fragmentation, weaken the institution of the family, and sow confusion in public beliefs.
The recent protests in Iran reflect the livelihood and economic concerns of the people, which must be addressed and resolved through the careful planning and prudent policies of the country’s officials. In contrast, foreign media and hostile currents, by distorting the nature of the protests, seek to create sedition and division. It is the duty of all conscientious and caring individuals in the country to prevent the achievements of the system and national cohesion from falling victim to media conspiracies through unity and vigilance. Accurate analysis must focus on the real problems of the people, not on the propaganda of foreign groups whose aim is to weaken Iran. A strong and united Iran, relying on the will of its people and the guidance of its officials, will overcome this phase as well and thwart the conspiracies of its enemies.
Faezeh Aghamohammadi