August 05, 2025

In previous blogs, DarkOwl has explored reactions from hacktivist groups on the deep and dark web in response to the Israel-Iran conflict and the U.S.’ attacks against nuclear sites in Iran. In addition to activity from hacktivist groups, analysts have also observed extensive online chatter within far-right spaces in response to the Israel-Iran-U.S. conflict. For this blog, DarkOwl specifically examined some of the most popular political far-right Telegram channels to determine which opinions and sentiments have been most prevalent within these groups.  

Significantly, since the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, analysts observed a striking difference in opinion between vocal subscribers in multiple far-right Telegram channels. These channels are known for platforming misinformation and conspiracy theories and are characterized by a significant number of subscribers—in some cases as many as 200,000. In recent weeks, many of the articles posted by the channels on a daily basis have been regarding developments in the Israel-Iran conflict. Upon review, the discussions observed in response to these developments have been marked by disagreement and incoherence. Though this disconnect is not particularly unusual in and of itself, the Israel-Iran-U.S. conflict appears to have brought out inconsistencies within extreme right-wing circles even more so than before. Nonetheless, however, hatred remains a binding force between many of the members of these groups despite ideological or subideological differences. 

Ideological Rifts 

A review of multiple discussions within far-right Telegram channels since June 22 revealed significant ideological rifts. More specifically, opinions fell into a striking collection of not necessarily mutually exclusive categories: (1) pro-Israel; (2) pro-Trump; (3) anti-Israel; (4) anti-Israel and anti-Iran; (5) antisemitic and pro-Iran; (6) Islamophobic and pro-Israel (7) antisemitic AND Islamophobic (i.e. racist); (8) anti-U.S; etc. For instance, while some vehemently praised the Trump Administration’s response to the conflict—dubbing the president the “Moses of our Time”—others fiercely criticized the administration, arguing that the U.S. “will suffer a national humiliation” as a result (it is worth noting for context that these channels are generally known for consistently supporting the current administration). Meanwhile, while some actively advocated for intervention in the conflict, others strongly opposed any involvement. These ideological oppositions were even made evident in users’ emoji reactions to comments. In response to one individual referring to the U.S. as a terrorist state for targeting Iran, some responded negatively with “thumbs down” emojis, while others responded positively with “thumbs up.” Similar emoji breakdowns were also noted in other instances. 

Furthermore, in addition to this wide variety of ideological differences, many individuals were also seen sharing conspiracy theories, misinformation, and disinformation. This included, for instance, some claiming that the “Deep State Cabal”—rather than Iran—poses a threat to the United States. This merging of conspiracy theories and disparate ideologies further conveyed the chaotic nature of this typically more homogenous information space.  

Shared Hatred  

In addition to a wide variety of contradicting opinions and ideologies, analysts noted an unsurprisingly significant amount of hatred directed at groups and individuals perceived as threats or adversaries to the current system. Among specific Israel-Iran-U.S. conflict updates, notably fierce comments were observed in response to two key events in recent weeks: the declaration of a fatwa against U.S. President Trump and reports that the U.S.’ strikes against Iran did not destroy the nation’s nuclear infrastructure. 

A June 29 article regarding the issuing of a fatwa against President Trump by an Iranian cleric gained notable traction on Telegram, with numerous users calling for the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in response. In a reflection of the previously noted ideological disagreement between far-right users in the channels, some were observed calling for the end of U.S. involvement, suggesting the responsibility to address the conflict lies with Israel instead. Among these responses, however, one sentiment emerged as most dominant: Islamophobia. Though such rhetoric was not limited to fatwa-related discussions within the channel, it appeared even more frequently in this instance, with individuals sharing hateful, violent rhetoric directed at Iranians and Muslims broadly. Several users also called for the targeting and deportation of American Muslims (referred to by one individual as “savages in our society”), claiming that they “pose a threat.” This rampant hate is consistent with the observed increase in both Islamophobia and antisemitism since the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October, 2023. Indeed, the FBI found that anti-Muslim incidents rose by 300% in just two months following Hamas’ October 7 attack.  

Similarly fervent responses were observed in response to an article addressing reports indicating that the U.S. did not destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities—despite the administration’s assertions that the targeted sites were “obliterated.” The misleading article—which attempted to undermine the findings of U.S. intelligence officials—was repeatedly shared across far-right channels and gained more than 20,000 views. In response to the story, numerous users referred to the reporters who shared the findings as “traitors” and called for them to be jailed. One individual also called for charging a specific reporter with “espionage against the United States” and expressed disdain for the intelligence officers who compiled the report. Similar to Islamophobic rhetoric, this hate directed towards reporters and officials who share facts contradicting the administration’s claims is consistent with the persistent animosity towards reputable sources shared by far-right groups.  

Conclusion 

Overall, analysts observed nearly every possible combination of opinions within multiple far-right Telegram channel discussions in response to the Israel-Iran-U.S. conflict. This finding is significant in that it reflects what appears to be a fracturing of far-right ideology within this specific monitored ecosystem of large-scale Telegram channels. Even though pro-administration rhetoric appears to remain dominant, many users were observed criticizing one another—seemingly more fervently than in response to previous non-foreign policy-related discussions.  Despite this noted difference in opinion, however, one fact remains consistent: regardless of specific ideology/ideologies, many of the individuals within these groups are linked by a hatred that transcends any ideological framework. Whether it’s hatred directed at journalists or members of targeted religious communities, the sentiment remains an overriding force within these communities. 

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