The Role of Combat Information Dissemination in Cognitive Deterrence and Strengthening the National Security of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

In the era of hybrid and cognitive warfare, the national security of states is profoundly influenced by narrative construction, psychological operations, and the management of public perception. Despite utilizing media capacities during the Sacred Defense and regional crises, the Islamic Republic of Iran lacks an institutionalized and indigenous model for combat information dissemination—one that can play a deterrent and coordinating role in confronting perceptual threats and misinformation. This study, aiming to design and explain a conceptual model for combat information dissemination, examines the media mechanisms effective in enhancing defensive soft power, psychological resilience, and legitimization of military actions within the framework of the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The main research question is: What components, conditions, and consequences does the optimal model of combat information dissemination for cognitive deterrence and strengthening national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran include? The research method is qualitative, based on grounded theory, and relies on the analysis of data collected from 34 semi-structured interviews with media experts, military commanders, and security analysts using MaxQDA software. The findings indicate that effective combat information dissemination depends on six key components: real-time information management, strategic narrative construction, on-the-ground presence of military journalists, pre-emptive psychological operations, intelligent utilization of digital media, and institutional coordination between media and military organizations. Moreover, causal, contextual, and intervening conditions influencing this model, along with its strategies and consequences, were identified, and the final conceptual model was designed. Implementation of this model can lead to the reinforcement of cognitive deterrence, preservation of the psychological cohesion of forces, counteraction against enemy psychological operations, and enhancement of media–military synergy during crises.