Study Reports Surge in Islamophobic Posts in US After Iran War Began

Study Reports Surge in Islamophobic Posts in US After Iran War Began
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A new study has found a sharp rise in Islamophobic content on social media in the United States following the outbreak of the war involving Iran, with researchers warning that some posts include dehumanizing language and calls for violence.

The report by the Center for the Study of Organised Hate (CSOH) found that the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has intensified the spread of harmful content targeting Muslims online.

According to the study, more than 25,300 Islamophobic posts were published on X between February 28—the first day of the war—and early March. When reposts and broader engagement were included, the total reach of such content exceeded 279,000 mentions.

Researchers said the volume of posts increased significantly after the start of the conflict. The report noted that some users employed dehumanizing language to describe Muslims, using terms such as “pests,” “rats,” and “parasites.” Analysts warned that such rhetoric has historically been associated with periods preceding violence against targeted communities.

The study also identified posts that went beyond hate speech to include explicit incitement to violence against Muslims.

Separately, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation reported receiving more than 200 complaints from U.S. service members who said military commanders had described the war with Iran in religious terms.

The CSOH warned that the spread of such online content could increase risks of discrimination, harassment, and hate-motivated violence against Muslim communities in the United States.