The ongoing conflict with Iran is damaging US global security partnerships and eroding America’s reputation, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, according to State Department cables obtained by POLITICO.

The cables assess the impact of the conflict in Bahrain, Azerbaijan and Indonesia, warning of rising anti-US sentiment amplified by pro-Iran messaging campaigns across traditional and digital media.

US diplomats say Iran is running a fast-moving online influence campaign, using bots, memes and social media networks to push anti-US narratives and shape public opinion.

They argue Washington is struggling to respond effectively because US embassies are mostly restricted to sharing pre-approved messages from headquarters.

Diplomats say this leaves them little room to react quickly in an increasingly fast-paced digital information environment and are calling for more flexibility to respond in real time, the report added.

In Bahrain, a key US ally hosting the Fifth Fleet, officials warn that public perception is increasingly shaped by claims that Washington has prioritised Israel’s security over Gulf partners, leaving Bahrain exposed to Iranian attacks.

According to the report, the cables also warned that Washington’s limited public messaging has left space for competing narratives to spread, including growing criticism of the US military presence in the country.

In Azerbaijan, diplomats say earlier improvements in relations with Washington have stalled, with media coverage shifting from neutral or positive reporting to more critical narratives following the outbreak of the conflict.

The embassy in Baku warned that sustained tensions could reverse recent diplomatic gains made after US-brokered regional peace efforts last year, the report stated.

In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority democracy, US officials say Iran is running an active campaign appealing to religious solidarity and anti-Western sentiment.

The Jakarta embassy cautioned that growing negative sentiment could constrain cooperation on security issues, even as Indonesia continues to expand defence ties with Washington.

The US State Department defended its Iran policy, saying President Donald Trump’s actions were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and improving global security.