#FactCheck- No, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Is Not Dead—Viral Video Debunked
Executive Summary
A video circulating on social media claims that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has passed away, with users attributing the claim to American sources. However, research by the CyberPeace found the claim to be false. Our research confirms that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and in good health.
Claim
A Facebook user shared the viral video, claiming that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had died.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted keyword searches on Google but found no credible media reports confirming his death. Further research led us to a report published on April 10, 2026, by ABP News. According to the report, amid discussions around a ceasefire, Mojtaba Khamenei issued a statement saying that Iran does not seek war with the United States or Israel, but as a nation, it must defend its rights.
Additionally, the image used in the viral video was analyzed using the AI detection tool HIVE Moderation. The results indicated a 99% probability that the image is AI-generated.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false and misleading. There is no credible evidence to suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei has died. On the contrary, recent verified reports confirm that he is alive and has even issued public statements on ongoing geopolitical developments. The widespread circulation of this claim appears to be driven by misinformation, amplified through social media without verification. The use of AI-generated visuals further adds to the confusion, making the content appear authentic at first glance.
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Introduction:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) focuses on threats and is an intelligence-driven agency with both law enforcement and intelligence responsibilities. The FBI has the power and duty to look into certain offences that are entrusted to it and to offer other law enforcement agencies cooperation services including fingerprint identification, lab tests, and training. In order to support its own investigations as well as those of its collaborators and to better comprehend and address the security dangers facing the United States, the FBI also gathers, disseminates, and analyzes intelligence.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Functions combating cybercrime:
- Collection: Internet crime victims can report incidents and notify the relevant authorities of potential illicit Internet behavior using the IC3. Law enforcement frequently advises and directs victims to use www.ic3.gov to submit a complaint.
- Analysis: To find new dangers and trends, the IC3 examines and examines data that users submit via its website.
- Public Awareness: The website posts public service announcements, business alerts, and other publications outlining specific frauds. Helps to raise awareness and make people become aware of Internet crimes and how to stay protected.
- Referrals: The IC3 compiles relevant complaints to create referrals, which are sent to national, international, local, and state law enforcement agencies for possible investigation. If law enforcement conducts an investigation and finds evidence of a crime, the offender may face legal repercussions.
Alarming increase in cyber crime cases:
In the recently released 2022 Internet Crime Report by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the statistics paint a concerning picture of cybercrime in the United States. FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 39,416 cases of extortion in 2022. The number of cases in 2021 stood at 39,360.
FBI officials emphasize the growing scope and sophistication of cyber-enabled crimes, which come from around the world. They highlight the importance of reporting incidents to IC3 and stress the role of law enforcement and private-sector partnerships.
About Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3:
IC3 was established in May 2000 by the FBI to receive complaints related to internet crimes.
It has received over 7.3 million complaints since its inception, averaging around 651,800 complaints per year over the last five years. IC3's mission is to provide the public with a reliable reporting mechanism for suspected cyber-enabled criminal activity and to collaborate with law enforcement and industry partners.
The FBI encourages the public to regularly review consumer and industry alerts published by IC3. An victim of an internet crime are urged to submit a complaint to IC3, and can also file a complaint on behalf of another person. These statistics underscore the ever-evolving and expanding threat of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance and reporting to combat this growing challenge.
What is sextortion?
The use or threatened use of a sexual image or video of another person without that person’s consent, derived from online encounters or social media websites or applications, primarily to extort money from that person or asking for sexual favours and giving warning to distribute that picture or video to that person’s friends, acquaintances, spouse, partner, or co-workers or in public domain.
Sextortion is an online crime that can be understood as, when an bad actor coerces a young person into creating or sharing a sexual image or video of themselves and then uses it to get something from such young person, such as other sexual images, money, or even sexual favours. Reports highlights that more and more kids are being blackmailed in this way. Sextortion can also happen to adults. Sextortion can also take place by taking your pictures from social media account and converting those pictures into sexually explicit content by morphing such images or creating deepfake by miusing deepfake technologies.
Sextortion in the age of AI and advanced technologies:
AI and deep fake technology make sextortion even more dangerous and pernicious. A perpetrator can now produce a high-quality deep fake that convincingly shows a victim engaged in explicit acts — even if the person has not done any such thing.
Legal Measures available in cases of sextortion:
In India, cybersecurity is governed primarily by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act). Addressing cyber crimes such as hacking, identity theft, and the publication of obscene material online, sextortion and other cyber crimes. The IT Act covers various aspects of electronic governance and e-commerce, with providing provisions for defining such offences and providing punishment for such offences.
Recently Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 has been enacted by the Indian Government to protect the digital personal data of the Individuals. These laws collectively establish the legal framework for cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention in India. Victims are urged to report the crime to local law enforcement and its cybercrime divisions. Law enforcement will investigate sextortion cases reports and will undertake appropriate legal action.
How to stay protected from evolving cases of sextortion: Best Practices:
- Report the Crime to law enforcement agency and social media platform or Internet service provider.
- Enable Two-step verification as an extra layer of protection.
- Keep your laptop Webcams covered when not in use.
- Stay protected from malware and phishing Attacks.
- Protect your personal information on your social media account, and also monitor your social media accounts in order to identify any suspicious activity. You can also set and review privacy settings of your social media accounts.
Conclusion:
Sextortion cases has been increased in recent time. Knowing the risk, being aware of rules and regulations, and by following best practices will help in preventing such crime and help you to stay safe and also avoid the chance of being victimized. It is important to spreading awareness about such growing cyber crimes and empowering the people to report it and it is also significant to provide support to victims. Let’s all unite in order to fight against such cyber crimes and also to make life a safer place on the internet or digital space.
References:
- https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2022_IC3ElderFraudReport.pdf
- https://octillolaw.com/insights/fbi-ic3-releases-2022-internet-crime-report/
- https://www.iafci.org/app_themes/docs/Federal%20Agency/2022_IC3Report.pdf
Introduction
Misinformation spreads faster than a pimple before your best friend's wedding, and these viral skincare hacks on social media can do more harm than good if smeared on without a second thought. The unverified skin care tips, exaggerated results, and product endorsements lacking proper dermatological backing can often lead to breakouts and serious damage.
The Allure and Risks of Online Skincare Trends
In the age of social media, beauty advice is easily accessible, but not all trending skincare hacks are beneficial. Influencers lacking professional dermatological knowledge often endorse "medical grade" skincare products, which may not be suitable for all skin types. The viral DIY skincare hacks, such as natural remedies like multani mitti (Fuller's earth), have found a new audience online. However, suppose such skincare tips are approached without due care and caution regarding their suitability for different skin types, or without the proper formulation of ingredients. In that case, they can result in skin problems. It is crucial to approach online skincare advice with a critical eye, as not all trends are backed by scientific research.
CyberPeace Recommendations
- Influencer Responsibility and Ethical Endorsements in Skincare
Influencers play a crucial role in shaping public perception in the skincare and lifestyle industries. However, they must exercise due diligence before endorsing skincare products or practices, as misinformation can lead to financial loss and health consequences. Influencers should only promote products they have personally tested or vetted by dermatologists or skincare professionals. They should also research the brand's credibility, check ingredients for safety, and understand the product's target audience.
- Strengthening Digital Literacy in Skincare Spaces
CyberPeace highlights that improving digital literacy is one of the best strategies to stop the spread of false information about skincare. Users nowadays, particularly young people, are continuously exposed to a deluge of wellness and beauty-related content. Many people are duped by overstated claims, pseudoscientific cures, and influencer-driven marketing masquerading as sound advice if they lack the necessary digital literacy. We recommend supporting digital literacy initiatives that teach users how to evaluate sources, think critically, and comprehend how algorithms promote content. Long-term impact is thought to be achieved through influencer partnerships, gamified learning modules, and community workshops that promote media literacy.
- Recommendation for Users to Prioritise Research and Critical Thinking
Users should prioritise research and critical thinking when engaging with skincare content online. It's crucial to distinguish between valid advice and misinformation. Thorough research, including expert reviews, ingredient checks, and scientific sources, is essential. Questioning endorsements and relying on trusted platforms and dermatologists can help ensure a skincare routine based on sound practices.
- Mandating Transparency from Influencers and Brands
Enforcing stronger transparency laws for influencers and skincare companies is a key suggestion. Social media influencers frequently neglect to reveal sponsored collaborations or paid advertisements, giving followers the impression that the skincare advice is based on the creators' own experience and objective judgment. This dishonest practice frequently promotes goods with little to no scientific support and feeds false information. The social media companies need to be proactive in identifying and removing content that violates disclosure and advertising guidelines.
- Creating a Verified Registry for Skincare Professionals
Increasing the voices of real experts is one of the most important strategies to build credibility and trust online. The establishment of a publicly available, validated registry of certified dermatologists, cosmetologists, and skincare scientists is suggested by cybersecurity experts and medical professionals. These experts could then receive a "verified expert" badge from social media companies, making it easier for users to discern between content created by unqualified people and genuine, evidence-based advice. Algorithms that promote such verified content would inevitably limit the dissemination of false information.
- Enforcing Platform Accountability and Reporting System
There needs to be platform-level accountability and safeguard mechanisms in case of any false information about skincare. Platforms should monitor repeat offenders and implement a tiered penalty system that includes content removal and temporary or permanent bans on such malicious user profiles.
References
Executive Summary
Amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia between the United States–Israel alliance and Iran since February 28, 2026, a video is rapidly going viral on social media. The clip shows buildings engulfed in flames and thick plumes of smoke following an attack. Several users are sharing it with the claim that it depicts Iran’s recent strike on Tel Aviv, Israel. However, an research by the CyberPeace found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is actually from August 2025, when Israel carried out airstrikes in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. It has no connection to the current conflict.
Claim:
An Instagram user ‘iran_.news24’ posted the video on March 27, 2026, with the caption: “Iran has turned Israel’s largest city Tel Aviv into hell—fears that 200,000 people have died in the war so far.”
Fact Check
To verify the viral claim, keyframes of the video were extracted and searched using Google Lens. The same video was found posted on August 24, 2025, by a Facebook user ‘Mhmdmhywbalshrby5’. The accompanying text, when translated, stated that it showed Israeli bombardment of Sanaa, Yemen.
Similarly, another Instagram user ‘ae5ce’ had also shared the same video on August 24, 2025, identifying it as footage from Sanaa.
Media reports further support this finding. According to a report published by Egypt Today on August 24, 2025, Israel carried out multiple airstrikes in Sanaa targeting key locations, including an oil station, a power facility, and the presidential palace. Casualties were also reported. The strikes were said to be in response to attacks by Houthi forces.
Additionally, the New York Post shared another video of the same incident from a different angle on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on August 25, 2025.
Conclusion
The video being circulated with the claim of Iran attacking Tel Aviv is actually old footage from Israeli airstrikes in Yemen in August 2025. It is unrelated to the ongoing conflict.
