IranWire:

POUYAN MAKARI

Limited access to the global internet, constant jamming of satellite networks, the ideological and one-sided coverage of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), checkpoints, regular patrols by security and military forces in the streets, and the fear many citizens feel about speaking openly - these are just some of the realities that people in Iran have faced in their daily lives since the war began. In addition to living under the threat of repeated airstrikes and the constant fear of death, many citizens say they are also being deprived of access to even the most basic and vital information during this critical period.

Keyvan, a resident of Karaj, told IranWire that even after the death of Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic, people could not openly express their feelings and instead were “celebrating it secretly among themselves.” Speaking about IRIB, he said: “Most channels broadcast one-sided narratives of the war, all agreeing on the principle that the bigger the lie, the more believable it is. However, the people moved away from this atmosphere years ago.”

According to him, the propaganda produced by Iranian state media can generally be divided into four categories: content aimed at mobilizing teenagers to join the front lines, filler programming, narratives explaining the causes of the war and emphasizing the Islamic Republic’s “support for the oppressed of the world,” and messaging directed toward U.S. and Israeli officials.

In recent years, social media - particularly Persian-language outlets operating outside Iran - has become one of the main sources of information for many Iranians. But “Sheila,” who lives in Mashhad, told IranWire that she and those around her have been unable to access news or social media information since the war began due to internet restrictions. “Many of us do not have access to satellite channels independent of the Islamic Republic and receive news through word-of-mouth directly from those around us.”

She explained that both mobile and landline phone calls are frequently disrupted. Even when calls do go through, people avoid discussing sensitive topics because of security concerns. At the same time, satellite frequencies are often jammed, making it even harder to access reliable news. Sheila, who works in a hospital, said that many visitors try to exchange news face to face during hospital visits.

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