Useful idiot

Iranian State TV Airs U.S. Streamer Sneako as 'American Analyst' Amid Nationwide Protests

When Iranian State TV is calling you an "analyst" and featuring you on which executing tens of thousands of Iranians, you know something is very wrong.

Bianca Jones

JAN 24, 2026 18:16

2 min read

Iranian state broadcaster IRIB News has featured clips from American social media personality Sneako, presenting him as an "American analyst" in a segment aimed at discrediting ongoing anti-regime protests.

The broadcast, which aired amid widespread demonstrations that began in late December 2025 over economic hardships, highlighted Sneako's posts alleging links between U.S. events and operations by Israel's Mossad and the CIA. This move aligns with Tehran's narrative of portraying the unrest as a foreign-orchestrated conspiracy, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeling protesters as "terrorists" backed by external powers.

Dissidents and critics have reacted strongly to the segment. Canadian-Iranian activist Goldie Ghamari and Iranian dissident Sana Ebrahimi expressed alarm over the regime's use of foreign influencers to undermine the protests. British activist Tommy Robinson dismissed Sneako as a "useful idiot" for unwittingly aiding Iranian propaganda.

Sneako, whose real name is Nico Kenn De Balinthazy, has not commented on the broadcast.The protests have escalated across Iran, involving violent clashes, an internet blackout, and reports of hacks on state TV urging security forces to defect.

The U.S. State Department voiced support for demonstrators, sharing videos highlighting calls for freedom and regime change. President Trump himself promised that 'Help is on the way' as US forces mass in the Arabian sea and surrounding areas and the world watches and waits for U.S. action against Iran.

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