TEHRAN- Western media outlets have consistently employed a rhetoric of double standards when it comes to portraying Iran's foreign policy initiatives. 

This approach, characterized as Iranophobia policy, has become a central feature of Western media framework.

While these media platforms readily scrutinize Iran's foreign policy endeavors, they conveniently overlook similar or even more concerning actions by other global players, particularly the United States. Despite the U.S.'s extensive involvement in arms dealing and its ubiquitous military presence across the world, Western media outlets seem to turn a blind eye to these aspects. Instead, they focus disproportionately on portraying Iran's actions as inherently perilous to the interests of nations worldwide.

This glaring disparity in coverage not only perpetuates a skewed narrative but also undermines the credibility of Western media outlets in providing unbiased and comprehensive analysis of international affairs. 

Media outlets must adopt a more balanced and objective approach in their coverage of international issues, moving away from the propagation of double standards and biased narratives.

Western media bias: Iran-Sudan cooperation 

On March 3, the Wall Street Journal released a report titled "Iran Tried to Persuade Sudan to Allow Naval Base on Its Red Sea Coast," alleging Tehran's attempts to establish a military presence in the Red Sea region by proposing the construction of a naval base in Khartoum. However, these claims have been vehemently refuted by Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali al-Sadiq Ali, who dismissed the accusations made by WSJ regarding Iran's purported efforts to establish a permanent naval base in Northeast Africa.

Speaking to the Arabic service of Russia’s Sputnik news agency during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024 in Turkey on March 2, Ali unequivocally denounced the Wall Street Journal article as "false and fabricated." He emphasized that during his recent visit to Iran, no discussions regarding the establishment of a military base were raised. "I just visited Iran, but no one brought up this matter to me there," clarified Ali, dispelling any notions of Iran soliciting Sudan for such a base.

In light of recent Iran-Sudan developments, it is crucial to scrutinize the veracity of such claims made by certain media outlets and to approach them with a critical eye. Accusations of this nature not only have the potential to strain diplomatic relations but also to exacerbate tensions. Therefore, it is imperative to exercise caution and discernment when consuming and disseminating information, particularly when it pertains to delicate geopolitical matters.

Red Sea ruse: Western media's Iran-Yemen narrative

Western media outlets have attempted to implicate Tehran in the unrest in the Red Sea by linking the operations of the Yemeni resistance to Iran.

Following the retaliatory actions taken by Yemen's Ansarullah against Israeli-affiliated vessels in recent months, Western media narratives have strayed from the true motivations behind these attacks. Instead, they propagate the notion that Tehran is supplying arms to Sana'a to disrupt global trade.

Contrary to these assertions, Yemeni officials have consistently emphasized that these operations are direct responses to Israeli war crimes and the ongoing genocidal war in Gaza, which is bolstered by support from the American military. 

Meanwhile, Iranian diplomatic channels have also echoed these sentiments, stressing that resistance groups such as Ansarullah operate independently and are not under Tehran's command.

Moreover, the autonomy of these resistance groups is evident in the widespread demonstrations held in Yemen's capital, Sana'a. These gatherings vehemently condemn Israeli aggression and express solidarity with the Yemeni Army's efforts against Israeli-affiliated vessels. Such voices by Yemeni nation support the genuine nature of Yemen's resistance movements and rebuff attempts to depict them as being under Tehran's command. 
  
Media manipulation: West's agenda against Iran-South America cooperation

On July 20, the Defense Ministries of Tehran and La Paz inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening defense cooperation to combat drug trafficking and terrorism along the Bolivian borders. However, certain Western media outlets chose to frame this agreement as a perilous development for Argentina, propagating a narrative of fear and suspicion.

Amidst the challenges of arm and drug trafficking plaguing its borders, La Paz finds itself in a precarious position. However, there exists a potential solution within its grasp through a strategic partnership with Tehran.

By enhancing defense cooperation with Iran, La Paz stands to significantly bolster its security measures. This collaboration could offer invaluable support in combating the persistent threats posed by trafficking activities, providing the country with the resources and expertise necessary to safeguard its citizens and borders effectively.

Regardless of the region where Iran extends its foreign policy initiatives, these media platforms consistently engage in sensationalist coverage, fueling an Iranophobic narrative and portraying Iran as a looming global threat.

Echoes of deception: investigating the integrity of Western media 

Western media outlets persistently attempt to tarnish Iran's foreign policy through the dissemination of fake news. However, they conveniently overlook the United States' extensive arms deals and military presence across the globe, which serve as significant contributors to escalating tensions, particularly in West Asia.
 
The United States maintains approximately 750 military bases in at least 80 countries, with the actual number potentially even higher due to incomplete data published by the Pentagon, as noted by Al Jazeera. 

Reports from the Chicago Policy Review magazine highlight how American defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, and Raytheon, profit immensely from weapon sales, which often exacerbate conflicts and human rights abuses worldwide. 

These companies collectively represent the majority of U.S. arms sales and profits, contributing to over 40% of global weapons exports.

Despite ongoing humanitarian crises, such as the situation in the Gaza Strip, the U.S. continues to support Israel with arms sales, disregarding international calls for a ceasefire. 

In December alone, President Biden approved two significant arms deals totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, raising questions about the beneficiaries and the ethical implications of such transactions.

In essence, while Western media outlets focus on tarnishing Iran's foreign policy, they turn a blind eye to Washington's aggressive militaristic tendencies and lucrative arms sales. 

It is imperative to scrutinize the motivations behind these double standards and hold accountable those who profit from perpetuating conflict and instability on the global stage.