Pro-Iran AI Memes Target Trump to Shape War Narrative Against US and Israel

Pro-Iran groups have taken their propaganda game to the next level by using artificial intelligence to churn out polished internet memes aimed at mocking former President Donald Trump and influencing how the public perceives the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. These memes, crafted in fluent English and steeped in American pop culture references, are flooding social media and racking up millions of views.

Experts tracking this digital campaign see it as a calculated move by Tehran-linked actors to compensate for their military and economic constraints by waging a “propaganda war.” Neil Lavie-Driver, an AI researcher at Cambridge, explains that Iran’s goal is to sow enough discord and dissatisfaction with the conflict to pressure Western governments into backing down.

The memes are not just crude jabs; they display a sophisticated understanding of US politics and culture. They portray Trump as out of touch and isolated, highlight divisions within his MAGA base, and reference controversies like the “Epstein files” to undermine his image. One notable series uses Lego-style animation to depict Iranian commanders threatening US military bases, showcasing a level of production and internet access suggesting cooperation with government entities, according to human rights AI video expert Mahsa Alimardani.

While the meme creators claim to be an independent group of volunteers, their ability to produce and upload such content from within Iran—where internet access is heavily restricted amid nationwide protests—raises serious doubts. Iranian state media have also amplified some of these memes, further blurring the lines between grassroots activism and official propaganda.

This digital offensive contrasts sharply with messaging from the US and Israel, which have not engaged in a similar AI-driven meme campaign. Israel’s use of AI has been limited to a video of Prime Minister Netanyahu urging Iranians to overthrow their government, while the US government’s meme output targets domestic audiences. Meanwhile, longstanding US government broadcasts in Farsi continue to operate at reduced capacity after cuts during the Trump administration.

The use of AI memes by pro-Iran actors is a stark reminder of how modern conflicts extend beyond battlefields into the realm of information warfare. As Iran seeks to control the narrative and weaken US resolve, these digital tactics represent a new front in the ongoing struggle for influence and power.