The narrative around U.S. airstrikes aimed at imposing “heavy costs” on Iran is the perfect concoction for your typical mainstream media circus. Outfits like CNN and The New York Times are busy pushing the predictable act of painting the U.S. as a bold protector while ignoring the real geopolitical chess game at play. Why? Because demonizing Iran sells clicks and fuels the war machine.

Meanwhile, we’ve got Iran, posturing as the defiant David against the Goliath of American imperialism. They promise “decisive measures” in response, and you can bet your bottom dollar that this is the kind of rhetoric that will be blown up by outlets like MSNBC to fan the flames of fear and urgency. Just watch how they twist every Iranian comment into a “threat” narrative that justifies increased military spending and intervention. It’s all part of a well-oiled propaganda machine that has long overstayed its welcome.

What the media won’t highlight? The fact that this whole situation is a complex web woven by past U.S. policies that have meddled in the Middle East for decades. Yet, here we are, with the likes of Fox News frothing at the mouth about the need for stern action, while their audience laps it up without a thought to the long-term consequences of yet another military entanglement. This narrative serves the interests of the elites and war profiteers while ignoring the voices of those who will actually pay the price—our soldiers and civilians caught in the crossfire.