THE MEDIATING ROLE OF MEDIA IN SHAPING PUBLIC OPINION AGAINST WAR: A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF AGENDA-SETTING AND PROPAGANDA IN THE CONTEXT OF IRAN–US CONFLICT

Abstract

Media has become one of the most influential institutions in shaping political perceptions, public attitudes, and ideological orientations during times of conflict and war. In the contemporary global communication environment, traditional and digital media play a decisive role in constructing narratives surrounding international conflicts, particularly in relation to the Iran–United States conflict. This conceptual article examines the mediating role of media in shaping anti-war public opinion through the theoretical lenses of Agenda-Setting Theory and the Propaganda Model. The study explores how media organizations prioritize issues, frame war-related narratives, and disseminate ideological messages that influence audience perceptions regarding military intervention, peace, and diplomacy. Furthermore, the article investigates the interaction between traditional news media, social media platforms, and state-sponsored propaganda mechanisms in the production of public discourse against war. The study argues that while mainstream media often reproduce elite political interests and strategic narratives, digital media platforms simultaneously provide opportunities for counter-hegemonic voices, anti-war activism, and alternative interpretations of geopolitical conflicts. The Iran–US conflict serves as a contemporary case for understanding how media framing, selective exposure, and information warfare affect public understanding of international tensions. The article concludes that media mediation significantly contributes to the construction of anti-war sentiments, although such mediation is frequently shaped by political, ideological, and economic influences. The study contributes to the broader field of mass communication by highlighting the importance of ethical journalism, media literacy, and responsible communication in conflict-sensitive environments.