A widely circulated video claiming to show the Iranian Navy destroying a ship in the Strait of Hormuz has been debunked as old footage of a US Navy operation.
The clip, which has been shared extensively on social media since July 14, depicts the destruction of an Iranian Soleimani-class corvette in the Persian Gulf, not a recent attack on commercial or military vessels in the chokepoint.
The misinformation emerged against a backdrop of heightened tensions and eroding tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which has already pushed oil prices higher.
Central Command recently denied claims from Iranian state media that a US warship had been struck by missiles, stating no US Navy ships had been hit.
The viral video appears to be part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at exaggerating the severity of the conflict.
For market participants, the distinction is critical.