Is the Gulf on fire again? Not quite! Iran attacked a container ship, attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz
Panic Spreads Online: Viral Tanker Fire Video Is Weeks Old—But Fear Won’t Wait Kurdish Policy Analysis A dramatic video showing the Safesea Vishnu tanker engulfed in flames is going viral on social media—but the footage is not new. The video, originally from March 11 after an Iranian attack, has resurfaced amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting alarm among online audiences. Accounts reposting messages linked to former President Donald J. Trump presented the clip as a recent incident, despite no verified reports of a new strike. Experts warn that recycling old footage in this way can fuel unnecessary panic, distort public perception, and escalate fears during already volatile geopolitical moments. “In times of conflict, misinformation can travel faster than the truth,” said a media analyst. “Even unintentionally, these recycled videos can spark anxiety and confusion, undermining informed public understanding.” Analysts urge social media users to fact-check conte...