US Central Command has officially announced that it intercepted “multiple” ballistic missiles launched by Iran. Now, you know the drill—this is the perfect moment for cable news to spin like a top! Fox News will herald this as proof that Iran is the “Axis of Evil,” whipping up their loyal audience’s fears faster than you can say “military intervention.” But don’t be fooled. This is the same network that treats every foreign escalation like a prelude to World War III.

Meanwhile, CNN, with its penchant for dramatic narratives, is likely to make this about the “perils of unchecked aggression,” framing it as a cut-and-dry morality tale that conveniently omits the complexities on the ground. Their mantra? “We must protect democracy,” which often translates to supporting drone strikes and military budgets. At the same time, they’ll ignore the fact that military-industrial complex coffers are quietly swelling.

And let’s not even get started on MSNBC! They’ll take the opportunity to imply that it’s not just a military incident, but also somehow a political failure of the current administration. Anyone else see how convenient that is as elections loom? This is the predictable playbook that aims to keep us all rattled, fearful, and obedient.

In reality, the truth often lies in the gray areas these outlets avoid. Instead of empowering viewers to think critically about foreign policy dynamics, they peddle dramatized narratives designed to distract and divide. So the next time you hear about missile interceptions, remember: the real story is often the narratives crafted around them, not the missiles themselves.