How Iran Is Using Tehran Billboards as Wartime Propaganda for a Global Audience

As the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel continues to dominate regional politics, Tehran’s streets have become a prominent stage for wartime messaging. Giant billboards installed across major public squares and highways are increasingly being used by Iranian authorities to project political narratives, boost national morale, and communicate strategic messages to both domestic and international audiences. Experts say these visual displays have evolved into a powerful propaganda tool designed for the digital age.

Iran has a long history of using public art, murals, and billboards to promote political and ideological themes. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and throughout the Iran-Iraq War, public spaces have been used to showcase revolutionary symbols, commemorate martyrs, and reinforce state narratives. Today, that tradition has expanded beyond physical spaces, with many billboards intentionally designed to be photographed and widely circulated on social media platforms, allowing Tehran to reach audiences far beyond its borders.

Several recent billboards have attracted international attention due to their symbolism and messaging. One widely shared display featured missiles covered with handwritten messages referencing victims of violence, including schoolgirls allegedly killed during the conflict and references to victims linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The imagery sought to portray Iran’s military actions not as aggression but as a response to perceived injustice, framing missiles as symbols of remembrance, resistance, and national defense rather than solely instruments of war.

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Other displays have directly targeted foreign audiences. One billboard carried messages in both Farsi and Hebrew, warning Israel through imagery showing waves of missiles descending over the country. Another featured US President Donald Trump with his mouth symbolically stitched shut by an image of the Strait of Hormuz, accompanied by text suggesting Iran’s patience had reached its limit. Analysts note that the use of multiple languages reflects a deliberate strategy aimed at influencing public opinion beyond Iran and creating psychological impact among perceived adversaries.

Iranian authorities have also drawn heavily on national history and mythology in their messaging. One billboard depicts the legendary Persian hero Arash the Archer, who, according to folklore, sacrificed himself to defend Iran’s borders. By linking contemporary military challenges to ancient myths, the state seeks to connect current events with deeply rooted cultural narratives of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism. Such imagery is intended to strengthen public unity during periods of heightened tension.

Researchers argue that these billboards represent more than simple advertising or political messaging. They form part of a broader state communication strategy that blends nationalism, symbolism, military messaging, and digital outreach. Whether depicting military strength in the Persian Gulf or invoking historical heroes, the displays are designed to shape perceptions of Iran at home and abroad. As the conflict continues, Tehran’s billboards are likely to remain a visible and influential component of the country’s wartime communication efforts.

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