Fact check: Viral AI-generated video misrepresents Iran’s attack on Tel Aviv

  • June 23, 2025
Fact check: Viral AI-generated video misrepresents Iran’s attack on Tel Aviv

Claim

On June 16, 2025, the X account Iran News™ (@TheIranianNews) posted a video claiming that buildings in Tel Aviv were severely destroyed in a military strike. The caption “Hello Tel Aviv” implied the footage depicted a real Iranian missile attack on Israel.

Background

The current round of the Israel–Iran conflict began on June 13, 2025. By the time this content was posted, the conflict had entered its fourth day. On June 16, Iran launched a fresh wave of ballistic missile attacks on Israel. Missile fragments struck areas in and around Tel Aviv, including a branch of the  U.S. Embassy , schools, and residential buildings in Bnei Brak, Haifa, and Petah Tikva, resulting in at least 8 fatalities, over 90 injuries, and 287 hospitalizations. The image in question attempts to depict destruction caused by these strikes.

Fact Check

1. Source verification

The image originates from a video first uploaded by user @3amelyon on Instagram on June 14, 2025. The same clip was later shared on TikTok, in which the creator explicitly labeled the content as AI-generated.

2. Visual Red Flags

  • Blurred and indistinct explosion detail: The central area lacks realistic structural impact and texture detail on the affected buildings.
  • Proportion anomalies: Vehicles on the street are poorly scaled relative to buildings, and some appear to float.
  • Inconsistent smoke and lighting: The smoke columns show uniform edges and the lighting is mismatched with the rest of the image.
  • Garbled signage: The building signage in the image is distorted and unreadable, displaying nonsensical characters. In contrast, verified imagery of the Tel Aviv Government Complex via Google Earth shows that the real building features a clearly legible “IMPERVA” sign on its facade.

Verdict

The image is AI-generated. Originally shared by its creator as synthetic content, it was later misused to depict real-world destruction. Viewers should remain cautious and verify sensational visuals, especially during conflicts, by checking original sources and watching for visual red flags.