In the contemporary era, the phenomenon of cognitive warfare has emerged as a novel and complex form of conflict aimed at manipulating perceptions and beliefs, and has become the most significant threat in the cultural-ideological domain of societies such as the Islamic Republic of Iran. This study was conducted with the objective of elucidating the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in confronting the enemy’s cognitive warfare within the cultural sphere and of proposing effective counter-policies based on the perspective of Ayatollah Khamenei.
The present research adopts a qualitative approach and employs thematic analysis as its methodological framework. The research population consisted of all statements delivered by Ayatollah Khamenei from March 2019 to the end of 2023. Using purposive sampling, the texts were analyzed until theoretical saturation was achieved.
The findings indicate that, in the domain of cultural cognitive warfare, the enemy employs three principal strategies: distortion of Islamic–Iranian identity, promotion of Western lifestyle, and weakening of the family institution. In response, the most significant countermeasures include strengthening faith and hope, fostering self-cultivation and insight (basirah), cultural system-building, consolidation of the family institution, reinforcement of the “Jihad of Clarification,” and organization of popular institutions for context-appropriate activism.
The results suggest that effective confrontation with cultural cognitive warfare requires a comprehensive and proactive approach focused on strengthening internal capacities, exploiting opportunities, and intelligently addressing structural weaknesses. Among the practical recommendations for cultural policymakers are the activation and institutionalization of the Jihad of Clarification, strengthening and enhancing social capital, consolidating the family institution, promoting individual and collective insight and self-cultivation, and supporting domestic cultural and media structures and capacities.