Iran Exploiting 'Information Warfare' to Undermine US and Israel, Analyst Warns
A geopolitical communications advisor states Iran is leveraging social media and digital platforms, influenced by Russia and China, to create internal division, as direct conflict is seen as unwinnable.
Iran is strategically employing "information warfare" to undermine the United States and Israel from within, according to Yuval David, a geopolitical communications advisor specializing in U.S.-Israel relations. David asserts that Tehran recognizes its inability to win a direct military confrontation and is therefore focusing its efforts on social media and digital platforms to manipulate public opinion and sow division.
"You cannot beat Israel or the United States in a physical kinetic war," David told Fox News Digital. "And that’s what’s going on with social media, with our devices and the people who are on TikTok and Instagram and Facebook and X and YouTube and all of the different social media platforms where the Islamic Republic of Iran is able to affect people’s minds."
David warned that this campaign aims to "create a rot from within the societies" and noted that Iran's efforts receive "guidance from Russia and China." This strategy comes as Israel faces a domestic election, though analysts suggest a change in leadership is unlikely to alter the country's fundamental policy toward Iran. A Reuters analysis indicated that Iran is expected to remain Israel's primary adversary, with military pressure being the preferred tool for deterrence.
David emphasized that the U.S.-Israel alliance should transcend electoral cycles, stating, "Presidents come and go, prime ministers come and go. America’s and Israel’s enemies do not take election years off." He added, "America doesn’t need to choose Israel’s prime minister, nor will it, nor can it, nor is it even trying to. America just needs a strong Israeli partner, whoever the Israelis elect."
He characterized Iran's hostility as long-standing, dating back to 1979, and ongoing. "The regime never stopped a war," David explained. "Americans thought we have had a war and then we didn't have a war. Then we had one. Then we didn't. Well, the Islamic Republic of Iran never ended that war. They've seen this as an ongoing war since 1979."
David also framed U.S. support for Israel as a matter of strategic self-interest, not charity. "America does not support Israel because Israel is helpless. America partners with Israel because Israel is capable," he said. "Supporting Israel’s security isn’t charity. It’s American strategic self-interest."
Regarding political endorsements, David commented on former President Donald Trump's support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice President J.D. Vance's more reserved approach. He suggested Trump appeals to Israeli voters, while Vance addresses American voters, but stressed that both are aware of Iran's awareness of their actions. "Far too many Americans don’t realize both Trump and Vance know that Tehran is listening."