The fake alien invasion is for a war against the populace.

If Iran were to display an advantage, I'm thinking DEW's, weather mods, or some other satellite related tech that hasn't been leaked like the ones I mentioned. There's also below-ground tech to initiate quakes, and targeting individuals with various frequencies, and/or near-instant diseases.

I've only brought up the more offensive means. There are also defensive means for disabling the electricity grid, non-hardened electronics, or incapacitating sonic weapons.