The Leader: Media Warfare is Among the Enemies’ Most Dangerous Tools… and Awareness is the Nation’s Weapon Against Misinformation
The Leader, Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, affirmed that the battle the nation is waging against its enemies is not limited to the military sphere, but extends to the arena of media, propaganda, and psychological warfare. He warned of the danger of misleading media campaigns that aim to dismantle societies, undermine values and morals, and shake awareness and insight.
In his sixth lecture, delivered on the 7th of Dhu al-Hijjah as part of the series “Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright,” the Leader of the Revolution emphasized that the media is one of the most dangerous battlegrounds in the conflict with the Jews and their allies, given its broad influence in shaping awareness, directing public opinion, and targeting the nation’s faith-based and cultural identity.
He explained that the enemies rely heavily on propaganda, media, and misinformation to sow discord and moral and intellectual deviation within societies. He stressed that it is the nation’s duty to be aware and insightful, and not to allow itself to be influenced by destructive media content that seeks to corrupt values and undermine social cohesion.
The Leader pointed out that “the word” represents a great moral and religious responsibility, explaining that kind words have a positive impact on society, while destructive words, rumors, and misleading propaganda lead to discord, internal strife, and weakened morale.
He emphasized that the fruit of following God’s guidance is reflected in upright speech and discourse, and that those affiliated with the faith-based and jihadist project must present a high standard of responsibility, awareness, and moral and media discipline.
The Leader of the Revolution warned against the media activity led by “the forces of evil, the Jews, and their allies” targeting the Islamic nation, noting that the enemies have worked to create deviant and misleading currents, sects, and trends with the aim of tearing the nation apart and undermining its intellectual, cultural, and religious unity.
He also addressed the danger of the psychological warfare waged by the enemies through media outlets and social media platforms, explaining that its primary goal is to spread despair and frustration, shatter morale, and push people to abandon their just causes and positions.
The Leader emphasized that the statements of former US President Donald Trump and the accompanying media campaigns fall within the context of “spreading fear and intimidation,” particularly regarding positions opposing American and Zionist hegemony, foremost among them the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In the same vein, the Leader pointed to the destructive role of electronic trolls and organized campaigns on social media, which operate from “single media outlets” in conjunction with military escalations and major events, with the aim of spreading rumors, destabilizing the domestic scene, and serving the enemies’ agenda.
He stressed the importance of verification and discernment, and of not being swayed by rumors and false propaganda, calling for a wise and responsible approach to societal issues, far removed from incitement and media chaos.
He affirmed that confronting the media war requires a conscious and responsible presence from the front of truth, including informed individuals, media professionals, intellectuals, activists, and all sincere individuals, in a way that contributes to strengthening awareness, exposing disinformation campaigns, and preserving the cohesion of society and its fundamental religious and national principles.
The leader stressed that awareness, insight, and steadfastness are essential elements in the nation’s battle with its enemies, and that responsible media committed to values and principles is an important weapon in confronting projects of misinformation, corruption, and hostile targeting of the nation.