“Shifting Narratives: How Iran’s Actions Are Turning Global Opinion Against It”

After the martyrdom of Professor Dr. Ali Larijani, Iran’s policy is creating potential risks for the country in the coming days. Until now, Iran had a major leverage point with the West—that it was not considered a direct threat. The narrative was that the United States was fighting Israel’s war, and Iran even had public support internationally.

Because of this public support, Spain took a stand, and within the European Union, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom did not join the war. In the Gulf region, attacks on American airbases did not provoke Arab countries enough to join the conflict; instead, they continued building pressure on the United States for a ceasefire, effectively trapping the U.S. in Israel’s war.

At the diplomatic level, Iran’s strongest card was the pressure from Western public opinion, which believed that Iran was not a threat. However, this perception is now starting to change because Iran fired two missiles at a British military base. This has begun to validate the American narrative that Iran is a threat to the world.

Previously, Iran gained support by maintaining that it was not developing nuclear weapons or long-range missiles. When the U.S. launched attacks during negotiations, it strengthened Iran’s narrative, leading to public protests in America. Senators, backed by public support, began putting pressure on the Trump administration.

For Western countries, public pressure is a major factor, unlike in countries such as those in the Arab world or Pakistan, where public opinion often holds less influence in decision-making.

Iran also had the advantage that Arab countries were not participating in the war, but its recent policies are eroding that advantage. Iran reportedly carried out attacks on oil and gas refineries in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—crossing a red line for those countries.

After Israel’s attack on Qatar, Arab countries had already begun shifting their stance. They neither joined the U.S. against Iran nor allowed the use of their airspace. However, following Iran’s attacks on their oil and gas facilities, a change has occurred, and they have signaled the possibility of taking action against Iran. Arab states are now warning Iran and seeking diplomatic support.

Tulsi Gabbard had earlier stated in a report that Iran possesses ICBM missiles. The public did not believe it, and senators questioned both her and the U.S. administration. However, Iran launched a missile with a range of 4,000 kilometers, which validated the U.S. intelligence report.

As a result, Western public opinion is beginning to see Iran as a real threat. This shift is benefiting the United States, while Iran may face increased sanctions and a gradual decline in global public support.