AI Propaganda Surges During War in Iran
ABC News
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Details
- Date Published
- 12 Apr 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 13 Apr 2026, 12:00 am
Description
The conflict in the Middle East isn't only being waged by militaries, there's also been a surge of propaganda — much of it AI-generated — deployed to shape perceptions of the war.
While the White House has shared hype videos blending pop culture and video games with real military footage, one pro-Iran group has released more than a dozen AI-generated videos mocking US leaders, often Lego-style cartoons set to rap music.
Guest: Michael Richardson, Professor of Media at UNSW Sydney — and he co-directs the Media Futures Hub
Producer: Oscar Coleman
Summary
This report examines the escalating use of AI-generated content in state-sponsored information warfare to manipulate perceptions of geopolitical conflict. It highlights how both Western and pro-Iran entities are utilizing generative tools to produce high volumes of persuasive media, ranging from pop-culture-infused military videos to satirical animations. These developments underscore the growing risk of AI-driven cognitive influence operations undermining democratic stability and complicates international governance efforts focused on preventing large-scale social manipulation. The participation of Australian academic Michael Richardson provides context on how these frontier capabilities impact global security and domestic information ecosystems.
Body
The conflict in the Middle East isn't only being waged by militaries, there's also been a surge of propaganda — much of it AI-generated — deployed to shape perceptions of the war.While the White House has shared hype videos blending pop culture and video games with real military footage, one pro-Iran group has released more than a dozen AI-generated videos mocking US leaders, often Lego-style cartoons set to rap music.Guest: Michael Richardson, Professor of Media at UNSW Sydney — and he co-directs the Media Futures HubProducer: Oscar ColemanImage DetailsMissiles produced by Iran's armed forces are displayed near a row of Iranian flags.(Getty: Majid Saeedi)Program:More from Radio National BreakfastUnited States, Iran, Islamic Republic Of, AI, Technology, Unrest, Conflict and War, World Politics Appears In Radio National Breakfast9itemsIn this episode1 of 9US to start blockade of Strait of HormuzDuration: 5 minutes 12 seconds5m 2 of 9Is Trump's Hormuz blockade plan legal?Duration: 7 minutes 52 seconds7m 3 of 920,000 seafarers are effectively 'prisoners of war', says shipping bossDuration: 5 minutes 43 seconds5m 4 of 9Trucking industry says it's on the brink, awaits Fair Work decisionDuration: 4 minutes 38 seconds4m 38s5 of 9US in 'weaker position' to negotiate than pre-war, says former UK amb to IranDuration: 7 minutes 39 seconds7m 6 of 9Murray Watt on the government's fuel saving campaignDuration: 7 minutes 29 seconds7m 7 of 9Peter Magyar's Tisza wins Hungary electionDuration: 4 minutes 28 seconds4m 28s8 of 9PlayingAI propaganda surges during war in IranDuration: 7 minutes 1 second7m 9 of 9Changing Australia: Kritz Sciessere and empowering girls and young women Duration: 11 minutes 3 seconds11m