The Narrative Shift: Regime’s Propaganda Post-January 2026

Mobilizing Support and Legitimizing Authority

By orchestrating grand ceremonies, the regime mobilizes mass participation and consolidates support among various societal sectors. The focus on revolutionary heroes, religious figures, and national symbols helps legitimize the current leadership, especially Ayatollah Khamenei and other regime figures, as true heirs of the revolution’s legacy. This ideological continuity is vital for maintaining regime stability in times of crisis.

External Messaging and Regional Influence

The provocative imagery—such as the mock coffins of U.S. military leaders—serves as a message to regional and global audiences. It underscores Iran’s stance of defiance and resilience, reinforcing its position as a revolutionary force resisting foreign interference. These displays also bolster Iran’s image among allied groups and sympathetic populations in the Middle East, emphasizing its role as a defender of Islamic and revolutionary values.