MEMRI warns Iran is using AI videos to fuel propaganda and violence threats

MEMRI released a new study on Sept. 22, 2026, arguing that Iran and its proxies are using AI-generated videos to spread anti-U.S. and anti-Israel propaganda, including threats against American targets. The report says the material is spreading on U.S. social platforms and could help incite violence in the West.

Why it matters: - MEMRI says Iranian state, regime-linked and proxy media are using AI-generated videos as an operational propaganda tool. - The study says the material is designed to normalize violence, glorify retaliation and amplify threats during an active conflict. - MEMRI argues the campaign could help incite young supporters in the U.S. and the West to commit violence. - Gen. (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. says commanders, intelligence officials, policymakers, journalists and the public must assess military imagery in an environment where realistic attacks and battlefield outcomes can be manufactured almost instantly.

What happened: - The Middle East Media Research Institute published a study titled "Iran And Its Proxies Use AI-Generated Videos To Incite Youths In U.S., West To Violence, Seek To Discredit U.S., Threaten Spectacular Attacks – Including Missile Strikes On The White House, Statue Of Liberty, U.S. Forces." - The report was released Sept. 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C. - MEMRI says the campaign has unfolded since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, 2026. - The videos are being disseminated across American social media platforms. - MEMRI Cyber & Jihad Lab has tracked AI-generated imagery from the beginning of the war.

The details: - The study says Iranian and proxy media have used AI imagery for public relations and to mock the U.S. - MEMRI says the material has been overlooked by some major media coverage, which focused on the visuals but not the violence risk. - The report describes the use of AI as rapid, sophisticated and tied to the wider confrontation with the United States and Israel. - McKenzie writes that the examples include simulated missile strikes on New York, attacks on American aircraft carriers, the White House in flames, wounded American soldiers and coffins, and repeated portrayals of U.S. and Israeli defeat. - McKenzie is a MEMRI Board of Advisors member and president of The Citadel. - MEMRI Executive Director Dr. Steven Stalinsky wrote in Newsweek on March 30, 2026, that Iranian officials and propaganda outlets continue to operate freely on American social media platforms during the war. - Stalinsky wrote that regime officials with large online followings are spreading misinformation in English and shaping global perceptions of the conflict. - MEMRI Vice President Ambassador Alberto Fernandez called the study a timely analysis of how Iran is using AI in the propaganda war. - MEMRI says the new information ecosystem helps synchronize Iranian and proxy narratives across multiple theaters.

Between the lines: - The report frames AI as lowering the cost of high-impact messaging and speeding up escalation through fabricated but persuasive battlefield imagery. - The emphasis on U.S. social media platforms suggests the propaganda effort is aimed at both regional audiences and Western users. - The study also reflects a broader concern that visual disinformation may be harder to dismiss than text-based propaganda because it can mimic real combat footage.

What's next: - Government and media can request the full report or seek an interview by emailing media@memri.org with "Tunnels Report" in the subject line. - MEMRI says its Cyber & Jihad Lab will continue tracking AI-generated material from Iran and its proxies. - The report suggests monitoring of synthetic battlefield imagery will become more important as AI tools spread and conflict messaging accelerates.

The bottom line: - MEMRI says Iran’s proxy ecosystem is no longer just posting propaganda. It is using AI to manufacture credible-looking war imagery, threaten U.S. targets and push audiences toward violence.