Transformations in international conflict nature have introduced warfare into the realm of battling for control over minds and perceptions. The main problem concerns the lack of comprehensive studies on practical cognitive warfare application in direct conflicts, for which the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict (June 13-24, 2025) provided a unique opportunity. The objective is analyzing how cognitive warfare was employed and identifying its impacts on national and regional security. Research question: How was cognitive warfare utilized in the 12-day conflict and what were its effects? Hypothesis: Cognitive warfare became an inseparable dimension of military strategy, capable of creating profound strategic impacts without extensive physical engagement. Theoretical framework integrates Kahneman's dual-system theory, reflexive control theory, OODA loop, and emerging technologies' role. Methodology employs qualitative content analysis of diverse sources including media reports, official documents, and expert analyses. Findings: Israel employed expansive strategy including deep intelligence operations, dual-use technologies, and targeted psychological warfare; Iran adopted contractive strategy based on national cohesion and religious-cultural symbols. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and social bots played pivotal roles. Results: Cognitive warfare outlined a new conflict pattern where battling for perception control holds importance equal to physical combat, revealing necessity for revising defense strategies and strengthening media literacy.