Investigative report reveals US websites demonizing Palestine, Iran
WASHINGTON, April 22 (YPA) – A recent investigative report published by The Intercept—a US nonprofit news organization—has uncovered a network of news outlets that claim neutrality, such as Al-Fasil and Pishtaz News, but effectively function as propaganda tools directly funded by the US government.
The report highlights that these platforms aim to promote Washington’s foreign policy and steer public opinion in the Middle East, particularly concerning the war in Gaza and the Iranian file. Despite their independent appearance, they utilize professional designs and maintain a robust social media presence, publishing content in Arabic, Persian, and English.
Psychological Operations and Regional Influence
Investigations have proven a close link between these sites and psychological operations rooms affiliated with US Central Command (CENTCOM). Their objectives include countering Iranian influence and polishing the image of US military interventions in the region.
The report specifically pointed to Al-Fasil’s YouTube channel, which garners millions of views. It focuses heavily on “demonizing” Palestinian resistance factions and holding them responsible for the situation in Gaza. Furthermore, the channel promotes the policies of successive US administrations and explicitly calls for regional powers to decouple from Iran, using editorial language that mirrors White House rhetoric.
Targeting Internal Stability in Iran
On the other hand, the Persian-language site Pishtaz News focuses on destabilizing Iran’s internal front by disseminating “misinformation” and dubious polls regarding the health of Iranian leaders.
The site’s strategy includes attempts to incite discord within the Iranian military establishment by publishing articles alleging conflicts between the regular Army and the Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC).
Methods of Concealment
Informed sources explained that these sites hide their government affiliation behind sub-links often missed by the average reader. They merely state they are a “product of a media organization funded by the United States budget.”
The Stanford Internet Observatory had previously revealed a network of fake accounts promoting content from these sites, confirming they are part of an information warfare campaign managed by entities linked to the US military.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, the report notes that these platforms engage in “blatant disinformation” by portraying Israeli military actions in Gaza as humanitarian measures.
YPA