Key Takeaways
- A viral video shared on X shows the US Navy destroying an Iranian vessel, not the Iranian Navy.
- The Strait of Hormuz was disrupted after heavy missile and drone assaults between Iran and US forces.
- Multiple pro-Iranian accounts spread the misinformation to claim control over the strait.
A viral video circulating on social media platform X since July 14, 2026, has been widely shared by multiple pro-Iranian users, claiming it shows the Iranian Navy destroying a ship in the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed tensions. However, fact-checkers have determined that this is not accurate.
The video, which has garnered millions of views, depicts a ship engulfed in flames and was initially captioned: 'This ship was given clearance to pass the Strait of Hormuz by the US without even coordinating with the IRGC. It is now at the bottom of the sea after catching fire. For a safe passage through the strait, only the IRGC can give you clearance.'
According to sources, this video actually shows the US Navy destroying an Iranian Soleimani-class corvette vessel in the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted following heavy missile and drone assaults between Iran and US forces on July 12, 2026.
The United States military has concluded a fourth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, as both countries stake claims for control over the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is vital for global oil trade, making its control a matter of significant international concern.
Pro-Iranian accounts have been actively spreading this misinformation to assert their dominance in the region. For instance, on July 14, another pro-Iranian user shared the same video with the caption: 'Breaking video: Iran sinks ship in the Strait of Hormuz after the US gave it clearance to pass, sending a message to the world that only the IRGC controls the Strait of Hormuz.'
The video was also shared by Indian media outlet ABP Telugu on July 15 with the headline: 'US-Iran War: War between America and Iran reaches a critical level! Roundup with Hormuz with 20 warships and hundreds of fighter jets.'
Other pro-Iranian users have similarly spread this video, collectively accumulating over 376,000 views. The United Arab Emirates has reported that two of its oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles in Omani waters, resulting in one Indian crew member killed and several others injured.
Fact-checks conducted to verify the claims have revealed that the video is not new and does not depict an event occurring in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident shown took place earlier in the Persian Gulf. This misinformation campaign aims to escalate tensions further between Iran and the United States, potentially impacting regional stability.
