The video, which spread online in multiple languages, is allegedly shown a massive nuclear explosion caused by a US strike in Arak, Iran. However, the dramatic footage has accumulated hundreds of thousands of views across the platform, but was generated using artificial intelligence, according to the social media users who originally posted it. that.
“Heavy water nuclear power plant in Arak. I don't think Trump had bluffed after all. It's part of Iran's fireworks. Hope to see more surprises.” June says 21, 2025 Facebook post Share clips of Mushroom Cloud Explosion in a Residential Area.
Videos circulating in Spanish and French also spread as violence escalated in the Middle East, with Israel attacking Iran and US forces attacking nuclear facilities before reaching a ceasefire.
US military On the night of June 21, they attacked three Iranian sites that held key to Tehran's nuclear program, attacking targets in Natanz, Isfahan and the mountain curided Ford provinces. The strike was added to a 12-day Israeli campaign targeting Israeli Top Brass, with Iran retaliating by launching waves of missiles in Israel.
US President Donald Trump claimed it was a “magnificent military success” that “eliminates” Iran's nuclear site, but despite intelligence report reviews that raised doubts and allegations from the Iranian government, he claimed that he “takes necessary steps” to ensure the programme continues.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces, Arak's heavy water reactor was attacked by Israel, not by US forces (archived here).
However, videos of massive explosions circulating on social media are being generated by AI.
Google Reverse Image Search discovered the same video posted to YouTube on June 18 by the Turkish-based account “@cmlacyn” (archived). The use of AI is referenced, as is the video title and comments from the author.
Account owner Cemil Aciyan said in his bio “All videos on this channel are produced with artificial intelligence” (archived here).
in In a direct message on Instagram on June 20th, Aciyan confirmed to AFP.
Searching on other social media platforms from Aciyan gave results for the same video on Instagram.
AFP has uncovered many online misinformation about Iran here.
