On March 16, 2026, US President Trump accused the Iranian government of turning to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create fake war images for psychological warfare amid military setbacks, and criticized mainstream US media for collaborating in spreading fake news.
Trump stated that the dissemination of false information by these media outlets has seriously threatened national security and should even face charges of “treason”.
On Sunday, March 15, Trump pointed out on Truth Social that Iran is a “master of media manipulation and public relations,” using AI to generate false military achievements to disguise its military incompetence.
He specifically cited examples where Iran released footage of so-called “suicide unmanned boats” attacks and the destruction of the US military aircraft carrier “Lincoln,” events that never actually took place.
“All of this is to show how ‘strong’ their defeated army is by fabricating false information!” Trump wrote in his post.
In the post, Trump also singled out media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal for spreading Iran’s fabricated false stories.
“According to The Wall Street Journal and other media’s erroneous reports, five US aerial refueling planes were shot down and severely damaged; however, the fact is that these planes are all still in service, with only one exception, and that one will soon be back in the air. The buildings and ships shown as burning were not actually on fire – it’s fake news generated by AI.”
He strongly stated, “One might say that the media organizations producing these reports should be charged with treason for spreading false information.”
“The fact is, Iran is suffering severe blows, and their only ‘victories’ are the battles fabricated by AI and spread by corrupt media organizations.”
Trump believes that media assisting in promoting Iran’s fabricated accomplishments will harm their own image.
“This is why their approval ratings are so low, while despite receiving only 5% positive coverage, I was able to overwhelmingly win the presidential election – they have no credibility!” Trump wrote.
Trump further supported the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in reviewing licenses of certain “unpatriotic” news organizations, criticizing their misuse of public channels to spread lies.
On Sunday, during an interview aboard Air Force One, Trump also stated that Iran displayed footage showing approximately 250,000 people gathering in a square to support Khamenei, but Trump accused it of also being false information.
“That was entirely generated by AI; it never actually happened,” Trump said. “When I first saw that gathering, I was surprised too because I know how much the people hate this leadership. This leadership has destroyed the country.”
“But that gathering that everyone was airing – including ABC, you media are the worst – everyone was airing that gathering as if it were real. Even I was surprised when I first saw it.”
“I found out today that it was completely fake news generated by AI and spread by news organizations in the US and elsewhere. To be honest, they really shouldn’t be allowed to do that,” Trump said.
Trump told the media that Iran’s military has essentially been defeated, with their air defense system and air force no longer in operation. He revealed that the US military has repeatedly targeted Iran’s leadership and reduced the number of drones by 20%. Additionally, Trump emphasized that the US military has severely damaged Iran’s weapon manufacturing capabilities and continues to target drone production facilities.
In regard to the security of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump called on countries including China to take responsibility, believing that countries relying on energy from the region should be responsible for escorting ships.
Trump pointed out that 90% of China’s oil needs to pass through the strait, while the US is already the world’s largest oil producer and is no longer dependent on Middle Eastern energy.
“I am demanding these countries to get involved in protecting their own territory because that is where they acquire energy, and they should help us protect it together,” Trump stated.
Trump admitted that the US currently stays in the region out of “habit” and to protect Middle Eastern allies, but stressed that in the long run, other countries must share the responsibility.