The Simpsons’ Prediction Phenomenon: A Reflection of Iranian Political Sentiment
A recent wave of unverified news regarding a foreign political figure captivated Iranian media and social networks, highlighting the complex dynamics of international relations and domestic discourse.
The Rapid Spread of Unverified News
Yesterday, several Iranian domestic media outlets, including Tabnak, and a number of Telegram news channels, published reports claiming that American magazine Newsweek had announced the passing of former US President Donald Trump. This news quickly circulated on social media, with many users initially accepting it as fact. It was soon clarified, however, that no such article had been published by Newsweek and the report was entirely baseless.
The Role of Pop Culture and Social Media
The story evolved further when some Telegram channels and users claimed that the animated series “The Simpsons” had predicted this event years ago, depicting Trump’s death in August 2025. This claim reignited online discussions. An old video of Trump playing golf was subsequently shared; it was first presented as new footage disproving the rumor, but was later confirmed to be archival. Some users even jokingly suggested the person in the video was a “Trump double.”
A Measured Iranian Media Response
Within Iran, different media outlets and channels presented their own interpretations. The Ofogh network, in one of its news segments, reported that Trump’s condition was serious but that he was still alive. Simultaneously, a war of words erupted on social media between users who typically align with official narratives—using the news as an opportunity for commentary—and others who pointed out that even if Trump were to exit the political stage, the positions of his running mate, JD Vance, toward Iran could be more stringent.
The ambiguity intensified with posts on social networks. Trump’s official account shared an old, black-and-white photo of him, which added to the confusion and kept the rumors alive. At the same time, the account of the US State Department posted a message that, instead of offering a clear denial or explanation, emphasized “calm in America.” This vague communication further fueled speculation.
Underlying Reasons for the Public Interest
The central question remains: why did this fake news about Trump’s death garner such significant attention in Iran? The reality is that for the Iranian public, Trump is not merely a foreign politician. He is a symbol of “maximum pressure” policy, severe sanctions, and intensified hostilities between Tehran and Washington. Consequently, any news about him, whether real or fabricated, is quickly reflected in Iranian society and becomes a subject for satire, jokes, psychological release, or political debate.
Ultimately, this episode demonstrates that Iranian society is highly sensitive to the fate of this particular foreign figure—a sensitivity rooted in the lived experience of recent years. This explains how a single piece of misinformation could create such a significant wave across media and social platforms.