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Section 1: Executive Summary and the Dominant Narrative: A Managed Victory
1.1. Disclaimer
This text is an analytical summary of what was published in Iran's domestic publications on Wednesday, 4 Tir 1404, regarding the end of the Israel-Iran war. The language of these media outlets on the day after the ceasefire reflects a coordinated narrative of victory and consolidation of power. The publication of the summary and analysis of this content does not mean its endorsement and has been prepared solely for the purpose of examining the media landscape and the official discourse governing Iran.
1.2. The Post-War Narrative: From Active Combat to Strategic Consolidation
The atmosphere of Iran's domestic media on 4 Tir indicates entry into a new phase after 12 days of direct conflict with Israel and the United States: the phase of transition from active war to the consolidation of a strategic victory and its exploitation in the diplomatic, economic, and social arenas. The dominant narrative in all the reviewed newspapers—Kayhan, Javan, Ettela'at, and Etemad—unanimously reports a decisive success that forced the enemy to accept a ceasefire. However, the framing of this victory and the priorities of the post-war era clearly reveal the rift between the fundamentalist (Osul-gara) and reformist (Eslah-talab) intellectual currents.
The fundamentalist media and those close to the establishment (Kayhan, Javan, and Ettela'at) portray this victory as a direct product of deterrent military power, revolutionary will, and divine grace. In this narrative, the enemy, who had come to the field with all its might, was humiliated in the face of "heavy" blows and Iran's technological "surprises" and ultimately, in desperation, was forced to accept the ceasefire.¹ The focus of these media on displaying military power, including the targeting of Mossad intelligence centers and changes in missile strategies, aims to build an image of a new and invincible hegemony for Iran in the region.
In contrast, the moderate and reformist media (Etemad), while confirming the victory, consider it more a product of "national solidarity" and the "resilience" of society in the face of foreign aggression.¹ This media current presents the military victory not as an endpoint, but as a point of departure for active diplomacy, internal reconstruction, and "post-war restoration." In this view, success on the battlefield has provided a platform for demonstrating rational and responsible governance in the international and domestic arenas.
This simultaneity and evolution of narratives on the military, diplomatic, and economic fronts is not accidental. It is a coordinated and managed effort at the macro-level of the establishment to transform a national security crisis into a new and beneficial strategic position. This process proceeds with a clear logic: first, victory in the "hard power" arena is consolidated through the display of military achievements.¹ This victory is immediately placed as leverage in the hands of the new government headed by Masoud Pezeshkian to initiate an active diplomatic campaign to transform military gains into "soft power" influence in the region.¹ Simultaneously, the domestic front is kept safe from public anxiety by publishing news of economic stability and market control, so that the "domestic front" also remains secure and strong.¹ This three-pronged approach indicates a comprehensive strategy for managing the entire crisis cycle, from confrontation to exploitation, for which the media act as the main tool of dissemination and consolidation.
Section 2: Military-Security Dimensions: Forging a New Deterrence
2.1. Ceasefire as the Enemy's Surrender
In the narrative of the media on 4 Tir, the ceasefire is not a bilateral agreement, but a direct result of the enemy's defeat and desperation in the face of Iran's crushing blows. This narrative framework presents the ceasefire as a document of Iran's decisive victory. The Ettela'at newspaper, citing statements by Israeli officials such as Isaac Herzog and Smotrich, emphasizes the "huge cost" of the war for Israel and considers these confessions as proof of the enemy's defeat.¹ In the same vein, the Kayhan newspaper, by publishing reports of the flight of Zionist settlers by boat and "widespread censorship" of news about damages in the Israeli media, displays an image of a society on the verge of collapse.¹
This narrative is completed by the statement of the Supreme National Security Council, which was reflected in the Ettela'at newspaper. In this statement, it is emphasized that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic are "finger on the trigger" and ready to respond to any new aggression.¹ This stance conveys the message that the cessation of hostilities was not out of weakness, but from a position of power and based on conditions set by Iran. This framework defines deterrence not as a passive state, but as an active and continuous readiness that guarantees the preservation of the achieved victory.
2.2. Display of Asymmetric Power and Technological Surprise
One of the key themes in the media coverage of this day is the focus on specific and qualitative military achievements aimed at redefining Iran's capabilities and creating a psychological shock on the enemy's front. This narrative goes beyond mere "reciprocal response" and emphasizes the display of a technological and strategic leap.
The most important symbol of this leap is the targeting of Israel's intelligence and espionage centers. The Javan and Kayhan newspapers, both with similar and prominent headlines "Mossad in Flames," detail the destruction of the headquarters of Mossad and Aman (Israel's military intelligence organization).¹ This action is portrayed not only as a physical blow but also as a strategic attack on the enemy's "brain," which challenges Israel's intelligence hegemony. These media, by emphasizing that these centers were targeted during working hours, highlight Iran's precision and intelligence dominance.
Simultaneously, the use of new and surprising missile technologies is strongly emphasized. Javan, quoting the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, writes: "One of the missiles was used for the first time, and the Zionist regime did not even notice it at all."¹ These "surprises" are presented as a symbol of an asymmetric power that renders the enemy's multi-layered and expensive defense systems ineffective. This approach upgrades Iran's military strategy from "proportional retaliation" to "asymmetric deterrence." The logic of this transition is clear: in the past, Iran's responses often emphasized the principle of proportionality. But the current narrative focuses on "surprise" and striking points that the enemy considered secure. Targeting intelligence centers sends the message that "we can pass through your defense shields and strike your most sensitive nerve centers." This is a direct challenge to Israel's intelligence superiority, on which it has invested for decades. Highlighting un-interceptable missiles is also a psychological operation to inject a sense of uncertainty and fear into the opposing front. The message is that there is no longer any safe point in the occupied territories. This combination of psychological warfare and a display of technological capability seeks to create a new and more effective type of deterrence, one that is based not on a balance of power, but on unpredictable and asymmetric threats.
2.3. The Internal Security Front: Neutralizing the "Fifth Column"
The narrative of victory in the military arena quickly extends to the internal security front as well. The media seriously cover the actions of security and judicial institutions in confronting infiltrators and spies. Kayhan on its front page reports the "order for full readiness to prosecutors for decisive action against spies and mercenaries of the Zionist regime."¹ This approach frames internal security operations as an inseparable part of national defense. By linking the external threat to the internal threat, strict measures against what is called the "fifth column" are justified and legitimized. This news, while demonstrating the vigilance of security institutions, seeks to strengthen public participation in maintaining the country's security and creating a unified front against the enemy.
Section 3: The Diplomatic Arena: The New President Takes the Initiative
3.1. President Pezeshkian's Diplomatic Marathon
On the first day after the ceasefire, diplomacy becomes the main focus of the news, especially in state-run and moderate media. The Ettela'at newspaper on its front page details the telephone calls of President Masoud Pezeshkian with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.¹ This extensive coverage indicates a coordinated effort to display an active and innovative government in the foreign policy arena.
The messages sent in these calls are carefully tailored for each audience:
To Qatar: The main message is "appeasement" for the attack on the American Al Udeid base on its soil. In this call, while emphasizing brotherly relations, it is clarified that this attack was an unavoidable response to direct American participation in the aggression against Iran.¹To Saudi Arabia: Pezeshkian, by presenting a proposal to "resolve the issues between itself and America" based on international rules, presents Iran as a rational and responsible actor seeking de-escalation.¹To the UAE and Oman: In conversation with the leaders of these two countries, emphasis is placed on Islamic brotherhood and the necessity of achieving regional stability "without the interference of foreigners," which is a clear message to extra-regional powers.¹
3.2. A Display of Power and Rationality
The prevailing diplomatic narrative is one of active engagement from a position of power. This power derives its legitimacy from the military victory on the battlefield. The analysis of the Etemad newspaper points to the "shattering of the hegemony of Israel and America" and considers this defeat as the foundation for starting this new phase of diplomacy.¹
This military crisis has, paradoxically, become the first serious test and an opportunity to consolidate the position of the new government. While a national security crisis could have marginalized a new president, especially one with a reformist voter base, the media across the political spectrum present him as the central figure in the diplomatic management of the crisis.¹ His calls are portrayed not as a request for de-escalation, but as a firm and reassuring statement of position to regional counterparts. He is skillfully exploiting the leverage created by the armed forces to advance a diplomatic agenda. This creates a powerful narrative of a unified government in which the military sector produces power and the political sector skillfully uses it. This image, both domestically and abroad, contributes significantly to strengthening the legitimacy of the new government.
3.3. International Law and Alliances
The reformist media, especially Etemad, focus on the legal dimensions of the conflict. An analytical note in this newspaper by Majid Ghasem-Kordi examines the threats of American officials against Iranian officials under the 1973 Convention, calling these actions an "international crime."¹ This approach attempts to portray Iran as the party adhering to international laws and America and Israel as its violators. On the other hand, fundamentalist media like Ettela'at, by highlighting the statement of the Secretary-General of Hezbollah in Lebanon regarding Iran's victory, emphasize the strength of the "Axis of Resistance" and Iran's regional strategic depth.¹
Section 4: The Economic Front: Displaying Stability, Managing Reconstruction
4.1. The Narrative of Economic Control and Resilience
Alongside military and diplomatic news, the media are actively seeking to counter economic concerns arising from the war. The dominant narrative displays an image of a stable economy under the full control of the government. The Ettela'at newspaper reports that "balance has returned to the market for basic goods" and reports on the abundance of goods in stores.¹ This newspaper also points to the "subsiding of the excitement of indicators" in the global oil and gold markets after the ceasefire and considers it a sign of the return of calm to the global economy.¹
In the same vein, the statements of the Governor of the Central Bank, Mohammad-Reza Farzin, are widely covered. He assures the people that the country's banking network is stable and that the Central Bank has managed the demand arising from the war conditions by increasing the injection of banknotes.¹ These messages are designed to neutralize the enemy's psychological warfare and prevent people from rushing to markets and banks.
4.2. The Duality of a Return to Normalcy and the Beginning of Reconstruction
The economic narrative of 4 Tir displays a clever duality. On the one hand, an effort is made to present an image of a return to normal conditions with news about market stability and the extension of loan payment deadlines. On the other hand, the damages from the war are not ignored, and the government, as a responsible institution, announces its plans to compensate for them.
The Ettela'at newspaper, quoting Mohammad-Reza Aref, the First Vice President, reports on the necessity of drafting a "comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of affected areas."¹ This announcement shows that the government, while managing the immediate crisis, is also thinking about its long-term consequences. This dual strategy conveys a two-stage message to society: first, the immediate crisis has been contained, and the government has powerfully prevented economic chaos. Second, the government is now actively and responsibly addressing the damages and planning for the future. This approach displays an image of an efficient government capable of managing a crisis in all its stages, from the initial shock to long-term reconstruction, and thereby seeks to attract and rebuild public trust.
Section 5: The Socio-Political Sphere: Forging Unity from Tragedy
5.1. Martyrdom as a Source of National Cohesion
The human costs of the war are one of the main focuses of media coverage, but these costs are framed not as a failure, but as a source for strengthening national cohesion and Iran's moral righteousness. The Kayhan and Ettela'at newspapers extensively cover the ceremonies for the "collective funeral of a number of martyrs" of the Israeli aggression in various cities of the country and describe these events as the "epic-making" of the people.¹
The media narrative, by mentioning the names and details of the martyrs, including conscripted soldiers and even a doctor and his family who were martyred in the attacks, gives a personal dimension to the tragedy.¹ This approach, while arousing public emotions, highlights the "victimhood" of the Iranian nation against a "vile" and "child-killing" enemy, and thereby seeks to strengthen internal unity around a common enemy.
5.2. "The Exalted Word of Iran": Unity Beyond Factions
The reformist media, in particular, emphasize the narrative of national unity. The main headline of the Etemad newspaper on this day, "The People Stood for the 'Exalted Word of Iran'," expresses this idea in the best way.¹ Analytical notes in this newspaper by figures such as Abolfazl Fateh and Hossein Alaei argue that the external threat caused internal political differences to be marginalized and an unprecedented national solidarity to be formed.¹ This unity is portrayed as a strategic defeat for the enemy, who had counted on Iran's internal divisions.
The war has acted as a "National Reset." This event is framed as a moment of national purification in which national interests took precedence over factional disputes. This narrative is very powerful for a government that has faced internal challenges in recent years. An enemy standing at the gates is a classic catalyst for national solidarity. The media reinforce this narrative by highlighting images of million-strong funerals and publishing analyses about national unity.¹ This process allows the establishment to redefine itself as the sole defender of the concept of "Iran" and to direct public opinion away from domestic issues towards foreign defense and national pride. In this way, the war becomes a tool for forging a renewed and more resilient national identity.
Section 6: Comparative Media Analysis: Framing the Victory
6.1. The Fundamentalist Narrative (Kayhan, Javan, Ettela'at): Power, Will, and Humiliation of the Enemy
This category of media focuses on the tangible dimensions of military victory. The headlines have an aggressive and triumphant tone: "Heavy Blows to the Heart of Mossad"¹ or "Mossad in Flames."¹ These newspapers give special prominence to the statements of military commanders and the Supreme National Security Council and emphasize the unwavering will of the system.¹ The enemy is consistently portrayed as defeated, terrified, and forced to surrender. Kayhan reinforces this image by highlighting the flight of settlers.¹
6.2. The Reformist and Moderate Narrative (Etemad): Resilience, Diplomacy, and Reconstruction
This media, while celebrating the victory, dedicates a significant portion of its pages to analyzing the post-war era and the path forward. Its main headline is not about the war, but about the return of calm: "The Sky of Iran Cleared."¹ The main focus is on analytical notes from academics and former officials who address the necessity of "post-war restoration," the legal dimensions of the conflict, and the diplomatic opportunities created after the "shattering of Israel's hegemony."¹ The human costs are also examined with greater psychological depth, and the need for social healing is emphasized.
6.3. Table: Thematic Focus of Newspapers (4 Tir 1404) [25 June 2025]
This table visually summarizes the editorial priorities and narrative strategies of the different newspapers and shows the main differences in how "victory" is framed for different political bases.
Section 7: Conclusion: The New Equilibrium
The analysis of Iranian media on 4 Tir 1404 shows that the prevailing discourse is not merely reporting a ceasefire, but is actively constructing and consolidating a new strategic reality. This new reality rests on several pillars:
Restored Deterrence: Iran has proven that it has the ability to withstand a direct attack and inflict unacceptable costs on the enemy, thereby changing the rules of engagement in the region.National Cohesion: The external threat, at least in the media narrative, has become a factor for national unity, and this has increased the establishment's room for maneuver at home and abroad.Active Diplomacy: Instead of passively waiting for the enemy's next move, Iran is actively shaping the post-war diplomatic landscape from a position of power.
Ultimately, although the message of victory is the same across all media, the meaning of this victory is a matter of debate. For the fundamentalist media, this victory is a confirmation of the righteousness of military power and revolutionary ideology. For the reformist media, this victory is a testament to national resilience that provides an opportunity for rational diplomacy and internal reforms. Therefore, Iran's media landscape is a perfect mirror of a nation that, while celebrating a military victory, is grappling with its profound consequences in the political, economic, and social arenas.
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