Hawzah News Agency- Speaking at the "Ummat-e Mabus" media tent, affiliated with the seminary's Center for Media and Cyberspace, Fatima Farhat stressed the need for vigilance in the battle of narratives and purposeful activity on social media platforms. "Today, the main battle is the media and public opinion war," she said, "and the Resistance front has managed to convey part of the truth to global audiences."
Farhat described how her path in media work was shaped by family legacy. "From the formation of Hezbollah, my father was responsible for filming and media activities linked to the fighters and the mujahideen. I took an interest in this field from childhood and learned media work from him. After his martyrdom, I felt a responsibility had been placed on my shoulders and that I must continue this path."
Western media and the engineering of narratives
The Lebanese media activist sharply criticized Western news organizations, arguing that the mainstream global news flow is controlled by Western political and economic powers. "Western media have spent vast sums to dominate the global information space, and much of the news is only published through channels they approve," she stated.
Pointing to the role of social networks in Palestinian developments, Farhat noted: "During the Zionist regime's attacks on Palestinians, TikTok became a platform for disseminating real images and narratives of the regime's crimes. This prompted them to seek control over the space by taking ownership and management of it."
She also warned against the spread of fake news online, adding: "Unfortunately, many people reshare content without verifying its accuracy, and this fuels the spread of lies and psychological operations. People must be able to distinguish between true and false news."
Active presence in cyberspace is essential
Farhat urged the popular forces and the Resistance current to maintain an active presence on social media. "We must not abandon cyberspace so the enemy can roam freely there. If we have an active and intelligent presence, we can convey the true narrative to public opinion."
She further addressed the role of Hollywood and cinema in fabricating an image of American power. "For years, Hollywood films projected the notion that America is invincible and the savior of the world, but the Resistance of Islamic Iran showed that this aura is a hollow façade and their claims are far removed from reality."
Farhat continued: "Today, across various Iranian cities, media activists are producing content and reflecting the massive popular presence on the ground, and these images are being transmitted to the world. The patience, steadfastness and resistance of the Iranian people have become a source of inspiration for many nations."
Global impact of Iranian media productions
She also highlighted the influence of Iranian media productions, particularly animations and so-called "Lego-style" videos, saying: "These works have been widely embraced by global audiences due to their use of innovative methods and impactful content."
Farhat added: "I follow American pages and see these videos being widely shared among people in the United States, with even Western audiences welcoming them."
A narrative of Iran-Lebanon solidarity
Reflecting on her experience in Iran, the Lebanese media activist spoke of the deep empathy between the Iranian and Lebanese peoples. "After the Zionist regime's attacks on Lebanon and the martyrdom of innocent people, coinciding with the ceasefire announcement between Iran and America, when I saw Iranians holding Hezbollah flags and approaching our tent, I felt how deeply close the people of the two countries are."
She added: "Many Iranians sent me messages of sympathy and solidarity, and this support was precious to the Lebanese people."
On the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and its impact on the Lebanese people, Farhat said: "Four days before Sayyed Hassan's martyrdom, my father was martyred. When my father was martyred, we would say Sayyed Hassan is here; but when Sayyed Hassan was martyred, we said Imam Khamenei is here."
She continued: "For three weeks, we could not believe Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah had been martyred. Even at his funeral, until his body entered the stadium, some still could not believe he had been martyred."
Continuing the path of Resistance
Farhat vowed to continue the path of Resistance, saying: "The martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was extremely heavy for us, even heavier than the martyrdom of my father, but we will continue his path and safeguard his blood."
She also underlined the standing of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution among the Lebanese people. "The affection of Hezbollah's people in Lebanon for His Eminence is very deep, and this love was largely shaped by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's own emphasis on and devotion to him."
Farhat noted: "When I spoke in Iran about the depth of the Lebanese people's affection for the Supreme Leader, some could not believe it. His personality, his anti-arrogance spirit and his steadfastness against America are a source of inspiration for the nations of the region."
She concluded by hailing the Iranian people's steadfastness as a vital model for regional nations, saying: "The resistance and presence of the Iranian people on the scene is immensely valuable and inspiring for us, showing that nations can withstand pressure by relying on faith and unity."
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