Fact check: Verifying images of US-Israel war on Iran
Fact check: Verifying images of US-Israel war on Iran
Claim 1: A video purports to show bombing in Tehran
During wartime, the digital landscape often becomes a hub for rapidly shared visuals. However, not all images circulating online accurately depict events. DW Fact Check reviewed several videos claiming to capture scenes in Iran’s cities. While some footage is authentic—particularly from trusted media outlets—others are misleading, contextually altered, or artificially generated. A video posted on X gained 2.9 million views by Friday, asserting it displays Tehran under attack. The user stated the US launched 2,000-pound bombs on March 4, and the Trump administration still denies it’s a war.
“US began dropping 2,000 pound bombs on March 4 and the Trump administration still says this is not a war.”
The US military confirmed B-2 stealth bombers struck Iran’s missile sites with 2,000-pound bombs starting February 28. This date aligns with initial strikes in Tehran. A reverse image search validated the footage shows bombing in Tehran, countering claims it depicts Baghdad in 2003 or Beirut in 2020. The original poster and Iran International, a London-based outlet, both confirmed the video was filmed near Shariati Street in Tehran, the capital. The audio in the clip is Farsi, Iran’s official language.
Claim 2: A funeral procession is attributed to Khamenei
A Facebook post claimed a video captures a funeral for Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. By Friday, the video had been viewed over 90,000 times and shared across TikTok, X, and Instagram. Khamenei was reportedly killed in the first wave of attacks. However, no official funeral had occurred by then. Organizing such an event quickly, especially amid a conflict, is challenging.
“The administration still says this is not a war.”
The video actually shows a funeral for former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his likely successor, Hashem Safieddine, held on February 23, 2025. A reverse image search using screenshots from the video linked it to news articles featuring similar visuals. AFP’s photos of the event clearly display portraits of Nasrallah and Safieddine, along with Hezbollah and Lebanon flags.
Claim 3: Mojtaba Khamenei is alleged to have died in strikes
A post on X claimed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s recently assassinated supreme leader, was killed during US attacks in Tehran. The video has amassed 2.6 million views. While Mojtaba is expected to succeed his father, this has not yet been officially confirmed. DW Fact Check previously debunked a deepfake video claiming to show Mojtaba’s inauguration speech.
“any leader appointed by Iran’s government to replace Khamenei would be an ‘unequivocal target for elimination’.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz noted Mojtaba’s potential as a target, but no evidence has emerged to support his death. If he were killed, the government would likely announce it publicly. The video in question does not confirm this outcome, leaving its accuracy unproven.
In summary, some claims in these videos hold truth, while others are inaccurate or lack verification. Fact-checking remains essential to distinguish authentic footage from manipulated content during rapid conflict developments.
