Fact Check: Is the image claiming to show US sending Marines to Hormuz Strait real?
WASHINGTON, DC: As Iran continues its blockade of the Hormuz Strait, escalating the tensions in the Middle East, an image has been circulating on social media platforms claiming to show the United States sending Marines to the vital strait, sparking speculations. Let us analyze the viral image and fact-check the claim.
Claim: Image shows US sending 5000 Marines to Hormuz Strait
The posts that circulated on Facebook and TikTok claimed that the US is sending 5000 Marines to the Hormuz Strait. The claim was accompanied by an image showing rows of soldiers marching onto warships.
“Tensions in the Middle East are rising again. The United States is reportedly deploying around 5,000 Marines to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil trade routes,” reads the circulating caption.
The post has sparked concerns, with many believing it to be true, while many questioned its authenticity.
Fact Check: The US deployed 3000 additional troops, not 5000
However, according to the Central Command (CENTCOM), the US deployed 3,500 additional personnel to the Middle East, not 5000 as claimed by the post.
Some of the troops arrived at a secret location on March 27, 2026, aboard the USS Tripoli.
Also, the image in the post is not authentic, but generated using Artificial Intelligence.
A scan with the Hive Moderation tool indicates that the image is AI-generated with a 99.2 percent probability.
The tool detected the use of the GPT Image model with a score of 97.4 percent. Similarly, the Was It AI detector reached a similar conclusion with high confidence.
Donald Trump warns Iran to reopen the Hormuz Strait
President Donald Trump on Sunday, April 5, issued a sharp and profanity-laced warning to Iran, urging it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential military consequences.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions following disruptions to the key global oil route.
The Strait, which handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments, has seen restricted traffic in recent days. The situation has triggered diplomatic engagement and increased scrutiny over global energy supply risks.
In a post on social media, Trump delivered a direct message to Tehran, stating, “Open the f**kin' Strait ... or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH!” The statement marked one of his most forceful public warnings during the ongoing tensions.
He also suggested imminent action, writing that Tuesday “will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!”
