Embassy cables detail how Iran war is hurting the US abroad

The documents show the fallout for the US in Bahrain, Indonesia and Azerbaijan as it struggles to catch up with pro-Iran messaging.

A boy waves a Palestinian flag next to mock coffins, one of which features an image of Iran's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei (C), during the International Quds Day commemoration in front of the US Embassy in Jakarta on March 13, 2026. | Bay Ismoyo

The Iran war is risking America’s global security ties and damaging its reputation, especially among the world’s Muslims, according to a set of State Department cables obtained by POLITICO.

The cables, dated Wednesday, described the fallout of the war for America’s standing in three countries in different parts of the world: Bahrain, Azerbaijan and Indonesia.

U.S. diplomats at embassies in the countries’ capitals painted damning portraits of an America under siege in multiple media spheres by pro-Iranian actors that are exceptionally agile in the digital space.

© Politico