Epstein Scandal References Spread in US-Iran War Messaging

Iranian political leaders have increasingly invoked the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in their messaging during the ongoing war with Israel and the United States, framing the conflict as resistance against what they describe as a morally compromised American political elite.

The rhetoric has appeared across official statements, parliamentary remarks and social media posts as Tehran seeks to challenge Washington’s legitimacy in the conflict.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, used the controversy surrounding Epstein to criticize U.S. leadership during the war. Writing on the social platform X, Larijani suggested that figures connected to Epstein’s network were responsible for destabilizing international politics.

“I’ve heard that the remaining members of Epstein’s network have devised a conspiracy to create an incident similar to 9/11 and blame Iran for it,” Larijani wrote.

He added that Iran had no conflict with ordinary Americans and described the country as defending itself against military action by the United States and Israel.

The remarks also followed comments from U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who had suggested Iranian leaders were hiding like “rats” during the war. Larijani responded by contrasting the public appearances of Iranian officials with accusations directed at U.S. elites.

Mr. Hegseth! Our leaders have been, and still are, among the people. But your leaders? On Epstein’s island!

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani

Iranian officials have increasingly framed the conflict in ideological terms, presenting Tehran’s actions as resistance against corruption and aggression by Washington and its allies.

The Iranian foreign ministry echoed similar rhetoric the same day, describing U.S. and Israeli military strikes as actions carried out by the “Epstein gang.”

The messaging has coincided with domestic political events including Iran’s annual al-Quds Day rallies, where crowds marched in support of Palestinians. Iranian leaders used the gatherings to emphasize themes of resistance and sovereignty while criticizing the United States and Israel.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf joined the messaging after remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about influencing the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier in the conflict.

“Americans will come to understand that the fate of dear Iran, which is more precious than life, will be determined solely by the proud Iranian nation, not by Epstein’s gang,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.

The references to Epstein draw on the widespread international attention surrounding the financier’s criminal case. Epstein was convicted of offenses involving the abuse and trafficking of underage girls and died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges in the United States.

Iranian officials have referenced the scandal to argue that American political institutions lack moral authority to criticize Iran or intervene in its internal affairs.

The narrative has also spread through Iranian media commentary and online discussions. Iranian professor Foad Izadi summarized the argument during a public commentary , stating: “We are fighting the Epstein class. They either rape little girls or bomb little girls.”

Online commentators have also drawn connections between the military campaign and domestic political controversies in the United States. The U.S. operation, officially named “Operation Epic Fury,” has been nicknamed “Operation Epstein Fury” in social media discussions.

Right-wing commentator Candace Owens amplified the phrase shortly after the war began on February 28 by sharing a post featuring an AI-generated image of Donald Trump between Israeli flags. She added the caption “Operation Epstein Fury fully explained”.

Iranian officials continue to frame the war as a confrontation with political elites in Washington and Israel while presenting Iran’s actions as defensive measures aimed at protecting national sovereignty and responding to military aggression.