Isfahan, Iran – Reports of a photo circulating online falsely claiming to show an explosion in Iran have sparked controversy. The image was widely shared on various platforms, including YouTube and social media sites in multiple languages.
The photo was reportedly linked to three explosions near a military airbase in Iran’s Isfahan province. The situation escalated after Israel warned of retaliation following a missile attack attributed to Iran. Despite this, Israeli officials remained silent on any potential strikes against Iran, according to a senior US congressional source.
Further investigations revealed that the photo in question was actually an illustrative image of an airstrike, with the location unspecified. This image was compared to a photo published in a news report by The Jerusalem Post newspaper in 2021, both showing similar scenes of destruction.
The original photo, taken by Abed Rahim Khatib, depicted an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip targeting Hamas militants, amid escalating tensions in the region. The Israeli army had launched airstrikes on alleged Hamas and Islamic Jihad positions in response to rocket attacks from Palestinian militant groups.
The violence in the region had been mounting following clashes at Al-Aqsa mosque compound, leaving hundreds of Palestinians injured. Footage of the airstrikes was also captured in an AFP video, further highlighting the volatile situation in the area.
In the midst of conflicting reports and misinformation following the incidents, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of images and news before sharing them online. The spread of false information can exacerbate tensions and contribute to a distorted portrayal of events, underscoring the importance of responsible media consumption and fact-checking.