While global public opinion is now more attuned than ever to the crimes committed by the US and Israel against the Iranian nation and their blatant violations of international law, and while Iran's national unity and defensive strength have drawn international admiration in response to these aggressions, Western media have suddenly emerged, claiming to show compassion for the Iranian people.
This time, the crocodile tears of Western media outlets and so-called human rights organizations are being shed through the recycled accusations of arbitrary arrests, suppression of dissent, and heightened security measures inside Iran.
Citing dubious sources, these media outlets claim that checkpoints have been set up across numerous Iranian cities and that security forces are conducting random inspections and searching mobile phones — comparing the current situation to the security atmosphere of the 1980s.
What these outlets deliberately ignore, however, is the unique context of the 1980s, when Iran was facing plots by terrorist and separatist groups — the same factions that, backed directly by foreign powers, were engaged in widespread massacres of civilians. That scenario is now resurfacing in a new form, fueled by the aggressions of the United States and the Zionist regime.
Human Rights as a Tool to Undermine National Unity
A critical aspect of this propaganda campaign is the enemy's realization that Iran’s recent success in neutralizing acts of aggression is due not only to military strength, but also to the cohesion and support of its people.
It is precisely this national solidarity that has dealt a heavy blow to the architects of hybrid warfare. Now, through human rights narratives, they are attempting to weaken that unity and erode public trust in the system.
Themes such as “crackdowns on dissent,” “uncertainty over succession,” and “increased security pressure” are part of a broad cognitive war designed to dishearten society, especially the younger generation, and lay the groundwork for internal destabilization.
Creating Distraction Ahead of Another Aggression
History has shown that neither the Zionist regime nor the United States has ever honored ceasefires or diplomatic agreements; they’ve always used such lulls to regroup and rearm. This reality is evident in the remarks of US officials — including Donald Trump’s threats of attack if uranium enrichment continues — and in repeated threats by Israeli leaders against senior Iranian officials.
In this context, Western media are emphasizing human rights claims to bog Iran down with internal distractions, thereby providing cover for their strategy to “Syrianize” Iran.
Crying for People, or Protecting Terrorists?
A review of Western media conduct shows a consistent pattern: whenever Iranian security forces apprehend infiltrators, terrorists, or spies linked to the West, these media outlets and so-called human rights groups rush to defend them.
During the recent 12-day “Sacred Defense” operation, the discovery of hundreds of infiltrators and sabotage equipment was just one part of a thwarted plot — a success made possible by the public’s broad cooperation with security forces. But now, foreign adversaries seek to discredit these achievements through media pressure.
The claim of rising human rights violations in Iran since the start of the conflict with Israel is, in fact, an attempt to weaken Iran’s internal security operations and pave the way for terrorist activity.
A Reversed Narrative: Silence on Atrocities, Outrage for Terrorists
What’s most disturbing is that these self-proclaimed human rights defenders remained silent during the 20-month genocide of the people of Gaza, and even distorted the facts to whitewash the crimes of the Zionist regime.
During the recent 12-day joint assault by the US and Israel, not only did they fail to condemn the attacks, but they also served as media enablers by publishing one-sided reports.
One clear example of this double standard was France’s reaction to the bombing of Evin Prison. Despite collaborating with Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles, France only condemned the strike when one of its own nationals was among the victims.
This is the same double standard that even UN human rights officials — such as Ms. Sato — have succumbed to: people who never condemn the crimes of the US and Israel against Iran, yet launch public outcries over the transfer of a single prisoner.
National Vigilance, Key to Overcoming Conspiracies
The latest campaign by Western and Zionist media is simply a continuation of the failed “maximum pressure” strategy — now repackaged as a psychological war under the banner of human rights. Their ultimate goal is to drive a wedge between the people and the state, clearing a path for Iran’s fragmentation.
But past experience has shown that national awareness, the public’s solidarity with security forces, and continued trust in the leadership of the Islamic Revolution remain powerful bulwarks against these conspiracies.
NOURNEWS