**Breaking News: Media Misrepresentation Fuels Conflict Narrative in Middle East**

In a startling revelation, journalist Assal Rad has exposed how misleading headlines and biased reporting are distorting the realities of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel and Iran. As tensions escalate, with Israel launching Operation Rising Lion against Iran, Rad highlights a disturbing trend: the media’s framing of these events often skews public perception, painting Israel as a justified actor while demonizing Iran.

Rad emphasizes that headlines are often the only part of news consumed, making their accuracy crucial. In the wake of Israel’s military actions, news outlets have echoed Israeli narratives, labeling strikes as “preemptive” while categorizing Iranian responses as “escalations.” This stark contrast in language not only misrepresents the situation but also perpetuates a dangerous cycle of violence.

The recent escalation follows months of violence in Gaza, where daily Palestinian casualties have gone largely underreported compared to the extensive coverage of Israeli casualties resulting from Iranian retaliation. Rad argues that this media bias contributes to a narrative that absolves Israel of accountability, framing its actions as self-defense despite the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Highlighting the role of U.S. media, Rad points to headlines from major outlets that normalize military aggression, suggesting that bombing Iran is a legitimate option alongside diplomacy. Such framing obscures the need for democratic processes and international law considerations in matters of war.

As the media continues to shape the narrative, Rad’s call for accountability resonates: “We can’t have this be the record of this moment.” The urgency for accurate reporting has never been more critical, as the world watches a conflict that threatens to spiral further out of control. The time for clarity and truth in journalism is now, before the headlines become a weapon in the hands of the powerful.