A false flag operation is a covert action in which one group carries out an attack or harmful act but disguises it to appear as if another group is responsible. The term comes from naval warfare, where ships would fly an enemy's flag to get close before attacking. Governments, intelligence agencies, and non-state actors have used false flag tactics throughout history to justify wars, discredit opponents, or manipulate public opinion.
Ali Larijani's March 2026 claim that the U.S. orchestrated the September 11 attacks as a false flag operation is a documented form of state-sponsored disinformation used to delegitimize the United States on the world stage.
Ali Larijani's March 2026 claim that the U.S. orchestrated the September 11 attacks as a false flag operation is a documented form of state-sponsored disinformation used to delegitimize the United States on the world stage.