Fact Check: Is Iran's claim it blew up Barron Trump-owned oil tanker true?
TEHRAN, IRAN: A rumor has been circulating on social media platforms claiming that Iran has blown up a large oil container owned by Barron Trump, the son of President Donald Trump. The claim surfaced amid the surge in oil prices following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel launched numerous air strikes on Iran. Let us fact-check the claim.
Claim: Iran blew up Barron Trump-owned oil tanker
The claim surfaced as the blockade of the vital strait continues amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The claim was accompanied by a video showing the burning of a massive oil tanker at sea.
The rumor that surfaced on X has been amplified by various accounts, and other social media platforms such as Facebook and Threads, garnering millions of views.
Fact Check: False, no evidence that Barron Trump owns an oil tanker
The claim, however, is false, as there is no evidence that Barron Trump owned an oil tanker. A search on Google for relevant keywords yielded no relevant results or reports by any credible news media outlets about the rumor.
Also, the video that accompanied the post shows the burning of the oil tanker Safesea Vishnu.
According to an early assessment conducted by the vessel's US owner and operator, two explosive-laden, unmanned boats rammed the tanker in an Iraqi seaport on March 12, sparking a fiery blast that engulfed the vessel's port side in flames and left the crew only seconds to react.
A similar rumor surfaced recently, claiming that Barron Trump invested $30 million in oil just before the US-Israel strikes on Iran, but was later debunked by multiple fact-checking outlets.
Barron Trump eyes future in business
Barron Trump is now 20 years old, which sources say marks a new stage in his life as he starts focusing more on his business and future goals.
The milestone has brought attention to President Donald Trump's youngest son, who has mostly stayed out of the public eye.
A report by People says that Barron is becoming more interested in starting his own business and making his own way while still living a relatively private life compared to other members of the Trump family.
As the youngest and least public-facing Trump, Barron is reportedly motivated to prove himself amid the successes of his father and siblings.
