Seyed Reza Qazvini Gharabi, in an interview with the website of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, stated: “The 12-day war, which began with the aggressive attack of the Israeli regime on Iran’s sensitive facilities and the assassination of high-ranking military commanders and scientists, was not only a test of the defensive capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran but also provided an opportunity to redefine the identity of Islamic resistance. Relying on its revolutionary principles, Iran turned this aggression into a symbol of steadfastness against imperialist hegemony.”
He added: “Iran’s official narrative emphasized legitimate defense and resistance, and through domestic and international media, introduced Iran as a victim of the aggression of the Israeli regime and its Western supporters. This redefinition moved the concept of resistance beyond the limited framework of groups like Hezbollah and Hamas and turned it into an inclusive Islamic-humanitarian discourse that includes both support for the Palestinian cause and confronting the expansionism of the Zionist regime.” He continued: “By focusing on achievements such as the penetration of ballistic missiles deep into the occupied territories and the damage inflicted on enemy bases, Iran was able to keep the spirit of resistance alive in the Islamic Ummah. This approach, within the new regional order desired by America and the Israeli regime, which after the war was accompanied by a temporary weakening of the resistance axis, introduced Iran as a pioneer in supporting Palestine.”
The analyst added: “The redefinition of resistance strengthened Iran’s regional position, although there were also losses; but popular support in Iraq, Lebanon, and other Muslim countries increased, and the process of normalization with the Israeli regime also reached a dead end.” Qazvini Gharabi noted: “At the regional level, Iran’s legitimacy as a symbol of anti-colonial resistance increased. The West tried to condemn Iran, but Tehran’s narrative, among Muslim communities and international activists, was somewhat able to strengthen Iran’s soft legitimacy. Overall, this redefinition demonstrates Iran’s strategic attention to turning challenges into opportunities and apparent defeat into discursive victory.”
Qazvini Gharabi, regarding Iran’s effort to redefine the discourse of resistance after the 12-day war, said: “Iran’s unprecedented resistance provoked diverse reactions in the Islamic world and the West, but it mainly indicated support for the spirit of our country’s steadfastness among Muslim communities. In the Islamic world, many Shia and Sunni elites stood with Iran on the issue of the Zionist regime’s aggression and praised this redefinition. Media outlets like Al Mayadeen also highlighted Iran’s narrative as a moral victory over the aggression of the Israeli regime.”
He added, “In Sunni countries like Turkey and Qatar, the media, by focusing on the humanitarian aspect of resistance, presented a positive reflection of Iran. This indicates a broader acceptance of Iran’s anti-Zionist discourse. Islamic elites, emphasizing the principles of resistance, considered Iran’s effort as an opportunity to mobilize against Western hegemony. Of course, some Arab governments, under pressure from the West and concerns about the strengthening of Islamic solidarity, showed negative media reactions. Still, these oppositions could not reduce popular support for Iran.”
The international affairs expert explained: “In the West, the governments of America and Europe, by condemning Iran due to its nuclear program, tried to portray the narrative of resistance as official propaganda. Media outlets like CNN and BBC introduced Iran as weak and culpable. However, this approach, simultaneous with the Israeli regime’s attacks on Gaza, increased global distrust towards the dual policies of the West.” He added, “In the end, these reflections strengthened Iran’s soft legitimacy and improved its image as a supporter of resistance in regional polls. At the international level, Iran’s narrative as a symbol of steadfastness also found positive reflection among anti-war and justice-seeking activists.”

The Role of Media in Strengthening the Discourse of Resistance
The analyst in another part of the interview stated: “Iran’s foreign media, including Press TV, HispanTV, and networks affiliated with IRIB, played an active role in transmitting the narrative of resistance after the twelve-day war. These media, by broadcasting content in different languages and focusing on the humanitarian narrative of resistance, introduced Iran as a symbol of steadfastness against aggression.” Qazvini Gharabi added: “Press TV, by utilizing digital platforms, was able to attract audiences in anti-Western communities and promote resistance as a global struggle against imperialism. Although in the West, due to sanctions and media restrictions, the broadcasting of these networks faces challenges.”
He said in conclusion: “This pattern can be considered an example of Iran’s media diplomacy and soft power. The combination of digital media, information operations, and cultural promotion has become a tool for increasing Iran’s influence without using hard power. Cooperation with media outlets like Russia Today is also assessed within this framework. Despite challenges, this trend indicates the transition of Iran’s foreign policy from a hardware-focused to a software-focused approach. For increasing effectiveness, it requires recognition, review, and modernization of the country’s media structure.”