5 Shocking Truths About Iran's Official Twitter Accounts: Real, Fake, Or Propaganda?

The question of whether "the Iran Twitter account" is real is a complex one, and as of late 2025, the answer is a resounding 'yes'—but with an extraordinary twist that defines the country's digital strategy. While the Iranian government maintains a persistent, nationwide block on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Telegram for its own citizens, a vast and sophisticated network of official, semi-official, and state-linked accounts is actively used by the highest levels of the regime for global communication, diplomacy, and, controversially, disinformation. This paradox creates a dual reality where the platform is simultaneously a tool of the state and a forbidden zone for the public.

The confusion stems from the sheer volume and varied authenticity of accounts claiming to represent the Islamic Republic of Iran, its leaders, and its military. From the Supreme Leader's long-standing presence to thousands of suspended disinformation accounts, the authenticity spectrum ranges from undisputed to outright fraudulent. To truly understand the "real" Iran on X, one must navigate a landscape of official diplomacy, state propaganda, and high-stakes censorship.

The Paradox of Iran's Official Twitter Accounts: Internal Ban, External Voice

The most significant factor in determining the authenticity of an Iranian government account is the nation's own strict censorship policy. The Islamic Republic of Iran, through entities like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has blocked access to major social media platforms since the 2009 Green Movement protests. Yet, key figures and state bodies—who are responsible for maintaining the ban—use the platform daily, often through VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) or other circumvention tools.

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1. The Undisputed, Yet Censored, Voice of the Supreme Leader

The Twitter (X) account associated with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is arguably the most prominent and undisputed "real" account. Despite the platform being banned in Iran, the Iranian government has never disputed the authenticity of this account, which is used to communicate his official positions and religious decrees to a global audience. However, its use is not without controversy; X has, in the past, suspended some of his accounts, such as the Arabic-language version, without providing a clear explanation. The very existence of this account highlights the state's hypocrisy: censorship for the public, free speech for the leadership.

2. The Case of the Disavowed Presidential Account

The authenticity of other high-ranking official accounts is far less clear. In a notable "fiasco," an account that had been tweeting in the name of President Ebrahim Raisi was revealed to be unofficial after the President himself publicly disavowed having an official Twitter account. This incident perfectly illustrates the difficulty in verifying any account not explicitly confirmed by a state body, even for the highest office in the country. It suggests that many seemingly official accounts are run by support staff or external organizations.

State Media and the Disinformation Network (The 'Unreal' Accounts)

Beyond the individual leaders, a massive ecosystem of "unreal" or inauthentic accounts linked to Iranian state operations is a major factor in the confusion over what is "real." This network is primarily used for foreign policy influence, propaganda, and targeting opposition groups.

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3. Thousands of Accounts Removed for Misinformation

In a continuous effort to combat state-backed foreign influence, X has suspended thousands of accounts tied to the Iranian government for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behavior, election interference, and misinformation campaigns. This extensive network is not run by a single "Iran Twitter account" but by a coordinated operation that an Iranian official openly bragged about, acknowledging the country's disinformation network. These operations often target regional rivals, like spreading anti-Saudi sentiments in Arabic, or demonizing opposition groups such as the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK).

4. The Status of State-Linked News Agencies

Even official state media organizations have faced scrutiny over their authenticity status on X. News outlets that are directly or indirectly controlled by the state—such as the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Press TV (English, Arabic, and Spanish), Tasnim News Agency, and Fars News Agency—are key players in Iran’s digital communication strategy. X has removed the verified blue and gold checkmarks from these Iranian state media accounts, effectively labeling them as state-affiliated media that cannot be fully trusted as an independent news source.

Key Iranian Figures and Entities on X (Twitter Diplomacy)

Despite the domestic ban and the disinformation campaigns, X remains a critical platform for Iranian "Twitter diplomacy," allowing officials to engage directly with international counterparts and the global media. Below is a list of prominent, generally accepted entities and figures who use the platform, demonstrating the extent of Iran's external digital footprint:

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• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Communicates official stances and religious decrees.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA): Uses X for official foreign policy statements and diplomatic engagement.
• Former President Hassan Rouhani: Was a high-profile user, demonstrating that many politicians engage with the platform.
• Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari: Engages in economic diplomacy and international relations.
• Former Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: Known for pioneering "Twitter diplomacy" in nuclear negotiations.
• Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA): The official government news agency.
• Press TV: Iran's state-run English-language news channel.
• Tasnim News Agency & Fars News Agency: News agencies with strong ties to the IRGC.
• Ettela'at & Iran Newspaper: Prominent state-affiliated daily newspapers.
• Semi-Official Journalists: Figures like Zahra Asghari (Isna news agency) and Javad Daliri (Etemaad daily) are active, primarily tweeting in Persian.

5. Military and Propaganda Accounts: The Blurred Lines

The most difficult accounts to verify are those claiming to represent the Iranian military or specific defense bodies. Accounts like "@IRIran_Military" gain significant traction, especially during geopolitical crises. While they often appear to be official, their use of unverified names and the nature of their content—which is often pure propaganda—leads analysts to question their direct, official affiliation with the actual Iranian government. These accounts are designed to influence perception, making their "realness" a matter of who is funding and directing the message, not necessarily who owns the account.

Conclusion: The Real Iran on X is a Strategic Tool

In conclusion, the question "is the Iran Twitter account real" cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. The Supreme Leader's account is functionally real, serving as an official mouthpiece. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other diplomatic accounts are also real, serving as critical tools for international engagement. However, the broader "Iran Twitter presence" is heavily saturated by a coordinated network of thousands of inauthentic, state-backed accounts dedicated to propaganda and disinformation. The platform's authenticity is therefore a spectrum: a powerful, strategic communications tool for the regime's external voice, while simultaneously being a forbidden and censored space for the Iranian people.