Who is Prof. Mohammad Marandi busting Western Media narratives amid war
Mohammad Marandi is an Iranian-American academic, political commentator and media figure who has become widely visible during the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Iran and Israel.
He was born in the United States in 1966 but moved to Iran as a teenager. During the Iran-Iraq War, he volunteered to fight and survived chemical attacks. Later, he completed his higher education in the UK, earning a PhD from the University of Birmingham.
Today, he serves as a professor at the University of Tehran, where he specialises in English literature and Orientalism. Over the years, he has also been closely linked to Iran’s political establishment and has worked as an adviser to Iran’s nuclear negotiation team.
Marandi is a familiar face on global television. He regularly appears on networks like BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera and others, where he speaks on Iran, Middle East politics and global power dynamics.
His role in global media debates
Here’s the thing. Marandi is not just an academic sitting in a university. He is part of a wider information battle.
He has been described by some Western and Iran-based outlets as one of the strongest English-language defenders of the Iranian government narrative.
Because he speaks fluent English and understands Western media language, he often becomes Iran’s most recognisable voice in international debates. In many cases, he appears in live discussions where Western journalists question Iran’s actions.
What this really means is that he operates at the intersection of academia, politics and media — a space where narratives are shaped in real time.
How he challenges Western media narratives
During the US–Iran–Israel tensions, Marandi has built a reputation for directly pushing back against what he calls biased or selective reporting.
His approach usually follows a few patterns:
1. Questioning Western framing
He often argues that Western media presents conflicts in a one-sided way, especially when it comes to Israel and Iran. In debates, he highlights what he sees as double standards — for example, how civilian casualties or military actions are reported differently depending on which side is involved.
2. Reversing the narrative
Instead of responding defensively, Marandi frequently flips the argument. He shifts focus toward US foreign policy, sanctions, or Israel’s military actions, arguing that these are underreported or justified too easily in Western coverage.
3. Using live TV confrontations
There have been instances where he has openly challenged journalists during live interviews, rejecting their assumptions or calling out what he describes as misleading questions. These moments often go viral on social media and are used to amplify his message.
4. Positioning Iran as reacting, not initiating
A key part of his messaging is that Iran is responding to pressure, aggression or provocation, rather than acting as the primary aggressor.
Why he is effective in this space
Marandi’s influence comes from a mix of factors:
He understands Western media language and debate formats
He appears calm and assertive in high-pressure interviews
He speaks directly to international audiences, not just Iranian viewers
He simplifies complex geopolitical arguments into clear talking points
This combination makes him a strong presence in televised debates, especially when discussions turn confrontational.
Criticism and controversy
At the same time, his role is heavily debated.
Some critics describe him as a spokesperson or “mouthpiece” for the Iranian government, arguing that his arguments align closely with official state positions.
Others say his appearances are part of a broader information strategy, where countries use academics and analysts to influence global opinion — especially during conflicts.
This is not unique to Iran. Many countries, including the US and its allies, rely on experts, think-tank analysts and former officials to shape narratives in global media.
The bigger picture: Information war alongside military conflict
The ongoing tensions between the US, Iran and Israel are not just about missiles, strikes or military moves. There is also a parallel battle over perception.
Figures like Marandi play a role in that battle.
On one side, Western media outlets frame events through their own political and strategic lens. On the other side, voices like Marandi challenge that framing and present Iran’s version of events to the world.
What this really means is that modern conflicts are fought on two fronts:
On the ground, through military action
On screens, through narratives, interviews and public opinion
And in that second battlefield, Prof. Mohammad Marandi has become one of the most visible and active voices representing Iran’s side.
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Surjewala slams Pratap Simha’s ‘vile’ remarks on CM Siddaramaiah, demands apology from BJP
Bengaluru (PTI): Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over alleged disparaging remarks made by former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during an assembly bypoll campaign in Bagalkote.
Simha made the remarks while campaigning for BJP candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath, triggering a political row ahead of the by-elections scheduled for April 9.
Congress has fielded Umesh Meti, son of former MLA late M Y Meti, whose death necessitated the bye-election.
"Pratap Simha's vile remarks about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bagalkot have exposed the BJP's despicable politics once again," Surjewala said in a social media post.
Alleging a larger political design, he added, "It is increasingly evident that Pratap Simha’s outburst is driven by desperation," and accused the BJP of using such remarks to target backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and minorities.
The Rajya Sabha member further claimed that the incident reflects a pattern within the party. "This is not one man's madness—it is the BJP’s political culture," he said, adding that the remarks were aimed at "denigrating leaders from marginalised communities".
Referring to past incidents, Surjewala said, "CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar have received death threats in the past, including one from BJP leaders who warned that their bodies would be stuffed into a refrigerator."
The Congress leader also criticised the BJP’s bypoll campaign strategy, alleging "internal contradictions".
He pointed to the party’s use of expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in campaigning despite earlier disciplinary action against him, accusing the BJP of resorting to "abuses and indignities" against opposition leaders.
Surjewala demanded immediate action from the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, state president B Y Vijayendra, and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka.
He said they must tender a public apology to Kannadigas, particularly to OBCs, SCs, and minorities, over the remarks, and urged the party to expel Simha if it does not repudiate his statements.
Surjewala also called for legal action, demanding that an FIR be registered against Simha and that strict measures be taken.
Warning of "political consequences", he said the electorate in the bypoll-bound constituencies would respond decisively if the BJP failed to apologise, asserting that voters would "teach the BJP a befitting lesson" in the elections.
There has been no immediate reaction from the saffron party yet.
