ISLAMABAD – As tensions rise in the Middle East following reports of US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, several misleading videos have gone viral across social media platforms, falsely claiming to show live footage of the attacks. A detailed verification process has revealed that these videos are unrelated to the current conflict.
Fact-checkers from multiple credible platforms, including iVerify Pakistan, have debunked the authenticity of the most widely shared clips. One of the videos, circulated as proof of a US strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, actually originated from a Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian ammunition depot in the Tver region in September 2024. This footage was previously aired by international media outlets such as CNN in a different context.
Another video, also misrepresented as recent, shows an Israeli airstrike on missile storage facilities in Tartus, Syria. That footage was recorded in December 2024 and had no connection to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. It was originally broadcast by DW News and other reputable sources.
In addition to video misinformation, a claim suggesting that the US used Indian airspace for the strikes was widely circulated online. However, the Press Information Bureau of India and official US military sources denied the claim, confirming that no American aircraft entered Indian territory during the operation.
Authorities and digital media watchdogs have urged the public to verify the authenticity of such content before sharing, particularly during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. The spread of unverified and out-of-context footage not only fuels panic but also distorts public understanding of sensitive international developments.
At present, no verified footage of the alleged US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities has been released. Official briefings and satellite analyses remain the primary sources of reliable information.
Reported by PakTribune Fact-Check Desk
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