Fact Check: Is the video claiming to show Iran firing at American fighter jets real?

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the tensions between the United States and Iran, a video has been circulating on social media platforms claiming to show Iran shooting down two American fighter jets and declaring war. The video has sparked speculations among netizens, with many questioning its authenticity. Let us fact-check the viral claim.

Claim: Iran destroyed two American fighter jets

The video is shared with the claim that Iran shot down two American jets, declaring war. The video shows anti-aircraft guns on the ground firing towards fighter jets in the sky and destroying one of them.

The clip that was posted by an account with the name of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, which even has a blue tick, indicating the page is official. 

The post came with a caption saying, “'War Started. 2 America fighter jets destroyed.'

The video has garnered almost three million views as of this writing, along with thousands of likes, comments, and shares.

Fact Check: False, footage was taken from a video game

The claim, however, is false as the account, despite having a blue tick, is a parody account as described in its bio. 

There is no official announcement from the US military or Iran government about the American fighter jets being shot down or about the start of war, which, if true, would have been widely reported by prominent news media outlets. 

Also, experts say several telltale signs, including the military equipment featured and visual anomalies, indicate the clips are from video games and don't depict real events.

A reverse image search traces the footage back to a 2022 YouTube video, which the description says is from the military combat game Arma 3.

Earlier, in June 2025, the same clip surfaced, claiming to be from the then-conflict between Iran and Israel. 

Donald Trump warns 'bad day' for Iran

The video surfaced after President Donald Trump, on February 13, warned that Iran would face consequences if negotiations over its nuclear program collapsed, saying it would be a 'bad day' for Tehran. 

His remarks come as the United States moves to bolster its military presence in the Middle East by deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group.

The USS Gerald R Ford has been redirected from the Caribbean to the region, where the USS Abraham Lincoln is already operating. The moves coincide with ongoing diplomatic efforts and elevated tensions across the region.