International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated air and missile strikes against Iran, targeting military installations, nuclear facilities, and strategic command centres in Tehran and other cities. The strikes were undertaken amid escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear programme and growing security concerns arising from Iran's regional military activities and support for allied armed groups. The conflict generated extensive information flows across social media platforms, where competing actors sought to shape public opinion through propaganda narratives.
Objective: This study examined how social media platforms were used to frame propaganda narratives during the United States–Israel–Iran conflict between 28 February and 31 March 2026.
Method: The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining content analysis and survey research. A total of 257 social media posts related to the conflict were analysed, while 400 respondents participated in the survey. Results: The findings revealed that X and Facebook played a significant role in shaping propaganda narratives during the United States–Israel–Iran conflict through emotionally driven framing, misinformation, and repeated digital amplification. The platforms also facilitated the rapid dissemination of competing narratives that influenced users' perceptions of the conflict.
Conclusion: The study concludes that social media platforms play a pivotal role in constructing, amplifying, and sustaining propaganda narratives during contemporary armed conflicts.
Unique Contribution: The study extends the literature on digital propaganda by demonstrating how AI-generated visuals, manipulated content, and coordinated online narratives intensified the circulation of propaganda and shaped audience engagement during the United States–Israel–Iran conflict. Recommendations: The study recommends strengthening media literacy programmes, enhancing independent fact-checking mechanisms, promoting responsible platform governance, and encouraging balanced media framing to improve public resilience against propaganda and misinformation during armed conflicts.