Fact Check: Does viral video show Iran attacking a US base in Kuwait?
KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT: Amid the renewed exchange of fire between the United States and Iran, a video began circulating on social media platforms showing a building on fire with thick smoke, claiming to show an Iranian attack on a US base in Kuwait.
The viral video has sparked concerns and questions about its authenticity, prompting a fact-check.
Claim: Viral video shows Iranian attack on US base in Kuwait
The 8-second clip shows footage of a massive fire with thick black smoke, flames, and water spray near towers and structures.
The viral video is shared with the claim that it shows an Iranian attack on a US air base in the Kuwaiti capital, which has rendered its jamming system ineffective.
The clip has been shared on X, Instagram and Facebook, garnering hundreds of thousands of views. The video drew mixed reactions from online users, with many expressing concern and fears, while others raised questions about the clip’s authenticity, calling for a fact check.
Fact Check: The video is from Russia showing Ukrainian attack
Although Iran’s IRGC did launch drone attacks targeting US bases in the Middle East in late July, the viral video is not related to the recent attacks.
A reverse image search for the key frames in the video revealed that the clip claims to show fires breaking out at the Solnechnogorsk oil facility in Moscow following a Ukrainian attack.
The clip was taken from a longer recording published by social media accounts on May 17, 2026.
Comparing the original footage with Google Maps imagery showed a clear match between the locations’ features, confirming that the footage was filmed in Russia, not Kuwait as claimed.
The analysis of the video matched landmarks, including high-voltage transmission towers, service buildings with blue roofs, and fuel storage tanks at the oil facility in Solnechnogorsk, Moscow Oblast.
Iran warns of retaliation over reported US strike plan
Iran has issued a new warning of retaliation after reports indicated that President Donald Trump is thinking about another round of US military strikes on Iranian targets.
The warning was issued early Saturday, August 1, after several US media outlets reported that the White House was considering military action that could begin as soon as this weekend.
Iranian officials stated that any new attack would lead to retaliatory strikes aimed at key infrastructure in Israel and several Gulf countries. The reports also mentioned that facilities in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates could be targeted if military action occurs.
