Fake News in Times of Conflict: AI-Driven Disinformation during the Israel-Iran Crisis

Fake news has become a significant threat in the current landscape of geopolitical tensions. After the wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, the new conflict between Israel and Iran has brought to the forefront the increased risk of information warfare alongside conventional warfare. In this new conflict, artificial intelligence tools have been used on a large scale to generate fake news, photos, and videos. In this context, the article investigates the role of artificial intelligence in generating and disseminating disinformation during the crisis between Israel and Iran. By analysing AI-generated content, the study highlights how new technologies amplify the speed, scale, and apparent credibility of false narratives. The paper explores relevant case studies and recurring patterns of AI-generated disinformation. The conclusions emphasize the need for effective mechanisms to detect false information and international regulatory frameworks to combat AI-facilitated information manipulation in conflict zones. This paper may be of interest to researchers, journalists, policymakers, and cybersecurity specialists who are concerned about the impact of emerging technologies on the information environment.