The 2025 war between Iran and Israel goes beyond missiles and drones. There is a silent battlefield: language. In this conflict, translation and interpretation have become strategic tools as vital as military weaponry.
Israel and Iran are engaged in a true multilingual information war. The Israeli government has created communication channels in Persian (Farsi), such as social media profiles and Telegram broadcasts, to communicate directly with the Iranian population. In response, Iran has also invested in translations and campaigns in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, aiming to reach external audiences and strengthen its narrative.
There are reports of the active use of translators within the intelligence services of both countries. Hebrew experts in Iran and Farsi speakers in Israel are essential for intercepting messages, translating documents, and producing publicity content. Although these professionals rarely gain public visibility, their role is crucial in gathering information and shaping narratives.
Beyond military intelligence, cultural projects are attempting to build bridges. One example is TeHTel, which translates Israeli articles into Persian with the goal of fostering dialogue among civilians. However, these initiatives face challenges such as state censorship and personal risk for those involved.
But translation is not always neutral. Institutions like MEMRI, which translate Arab and Iranian media, are frequently criticized for bias in content selection, often highlighting only radical voices and negatively shaping international public opinion.
In the midst of this, interpreters—especially those working in war zones or diplomatic conflicts—face not only physical danger but also ethical dilemmas: How can they translate faithfully without reinforcing publicity? How should they handle military terms like “bunker buster” or “breakout time”, which carry heavy political implications?
The Iran–Israel conflict serves as a stark reminder that, in times of war, language itself is a minefield. Translation is not merely about communication; it is about interpreting intentions, shaping narratives, and, in many cases, influencing the course of events.
