Iran’s War of Walls: The Visual Propaganda Fueling the Conflict

As the conflict between Iran and the United States continues, a distinctive feature of Tehran’s urban landscape has emerged: large-scale, state-sponsored posters plastered across walls and buildings. These visual propaganda efforts convey the Iranian regime’s message not only to its citizens but also to the world beyond its borders.

The recent surge in this form of messaging is rooted in a long tradition of visual storytelling in Iran that predates the current regime. Sepideh Parsapajouh, an anthropologist and researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), notes that this method of narrative construction through images has its roots in the pre-revolutionary “pardeh-khâni” tradition. In this practice, a storyteller would share epic tales in front of a massive painted canvas, which served as a visual representation of the story’s key events.

The shift from hand-painted murals to industrial-scale printed banners has been dramatic. This change reflects the increasing centralization and institutionalization of propaganda efforts and signifies a move away from the emotional and personal dimensions that characterized earlier iterations of this art form. Today, government bodies commission giant billboards directly, often produced by semi-governmental arts organizations.

The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) has accelerated the process and altered its content. Compositions now borrow from advertising, cinema, and blockbuster movie posters, resulting in visually sophisticated images that draw upon Western pop culture references. One notable example features a mural referencing fantasy saga “The Lord of the Rings”, displayed on the facade of a building in Fatemi Square.

While these visual propaganda efforts may be effective in conveying the Iranian regime’s message to its citizens and the world at large, they raise important questions about the role of art in times of conflict. Is this form of messaging merely a tool for spreading state-approved ideology or can it also serve as a means of critique or resistance?

The Iranian regime has permitted news agencies to photograph and officially circulate these posters, which are then widely shared by international media on social media. This calculated move aims to amplify the regime’s message beyond its borders while minimizing criticism.

The implications of this visual propaganda strategy extend far beyond Iran’s domestic audience. It speaks directly to the country’s foes and challenges them to confront their own narratives and ideologies. In an era where information warfare has become increasingly central to modern conflict, understanding the role of visual messaging in shaping public opinion is more crucial than ever.

As tensions between Iran and its adversaries continue to escalate, it will be interesting to observe how this propaganda strategy evolves. Will AI-powered visuals continue to play a central role in amplifying the regime’s message? Or will new forms of resistance or critique emerge to challenge the dominant narrative?

The war on walls will only intensify as long as the conflict rages on, with each side vying for control over the narrative and the hearts and minds of its audience.