Video Clip of a Burning Building Misrepresented as U.S. Strike on Iran — Actually Footage of a Fire in China in 2022
Thai PBS Verify found the source of fake news to be: X
Thai PBS Verify found an X account sharing images of a building fire, accompanied by the caption:
“#BREAKING GUY’S
The ultimate escalation. The US military just took the fight straight to Tehran, targeting the IRGC’s core Sar-Allah Headquarters. The main command facility is reportedly burning down right now. Game over for deniability. #Tehran #IRGC #Geopolitics”
The post has drawn significant engagement: 1,000,000 views, 3,500 reactions, 269 comments, and more than 610 reposts. It was published on July 12, 2026.
When checking the transparency of the account US_SOLDIERS, it was found that the account was created in April 2025 in the Southwest Asia region.
Overall, the account appears to be newly created and is not an official U.S. military account, despite using a name and imagery that could mislead audiences into believing it is linked to military institutions. This is a common technique used to create false credibility (impersonation or pseudo‑authority).
As for posting behavior, most of the content consists of ‘breaking news’ or military conflict updates, written in strong, emotionally charged language and often lacking verifiable sources. The account also frequently uses numerous geopolitics‑related hashtags to boost visibility and spread, a pattern typical of accounts designed to drive engagement.
However, the X account included a note stating: ‘Readers added context they thought people might want to know,’ indicating that the video was actually footage from China.
Is the video really evidence of a U.S. military strike on Tehran, Iran?
Thai PBS Verify examined frames from the clip using Google Lens, which matched with the news report “Massive fire engulfs 42‑storey skyscraper in China; no deaths reported,” published by CNBC TV18 on September 16, 2022.
Details from the report include:
According to China Telecom, there were no injuries or fatalities.
The company stated that mobile phone services were not affected, although some social media users claimed they could not use their phones.
The major fire erupted on Friday at a 42‑story building in central China belonging to the country’s largest telecommunications provider, but no injuries were recorded.
Comparison of the building in the post (left) and the image from CNBC TV18 (right)
Later, using China’s Baidu Maps, we found that the building shown in the video matches the China Telecom building in Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Comparison of the building in China shown in the post (left) and on Baidu Maps (right)
What is the current situation?
On July 12, 2026, the United States launched its third strike against Iran within just one week, under orders from President Donald Trump. The attack was in retaliation for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) assault on a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which left one civilian crew member missing and caused severe fire damage that rendered the vessel inoperable.
Following the incident, Iran announced a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, blaming foreign interference for regional instability and warning of immediate retaliation if further attacks occur. At the same time, Iran’s Supreme Leader issued a statement vowing revenge for the former leader killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike, framing it as the will of the Iranian people.
At the same time, Iran’s Supreme Leader issued a statement vowing to avenge the former leader killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike, framing the retaliation as the will of the Iranian people.
This declaration demonstrates the steadily intensifying tensions, which continue to escalate and carry the risk of expanding into a broader conflict across the Middle East in the future.
What is the truth?
Thai PBS Verify found that the video and images of the fire, which were claimed to show a U.S. military strike on Tehran, Iran, are false. In reality, the footage depicts a fire at a 42-story building belonging to China Telecom in Changsha, China, which occurred on September 16, 2022. No deaths or injuries were reported.
Why was this post created?
The post was designed to ‘attract attention’ and boost reach. It typically takes real footage or images (such as the building fire in China) and adds new captions to make them appear connected to ongoing wars or conflicts — topics that draw strong public interest and are easily shared.
In addition, the account uses a name and imagery that make it look linked to the U.S. military, even though it is not official. This impersonation tactic is meant to create false credibility. The posts often employ dramatic wording such as ‘Breaking’ or ‘The ultimate escalation’ to stir emotions, prompting readers to click, share, or comment.
Such content is not intended to provide accurate information but to generate buzz and maximize engagement. Therefore, it is important to carefully verify information before believing or sharing it.
Verification Process
- Google Lens Check: Frames from the video were examined using Google Lens. The results matched with the news report “Massive fire engulfs 42‑storey skyscraper in China; no deaths reported” published on September 16, 2022.
- Verification using Baidu Maps: Using China’s Baidu Maps, we found that the building shown in the video matches the China Telecom building in Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Impact of This False Information
- Public Misunderstanding: People may believe the alleged attack actually happened, even though the footage was distorted from an old fire incident.
- Social Panic: “Breaking news” style content and strong wording can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety.
- Threats to Security and International Relations: Fake war news may heighten tensions or be exploited as an information weapon.
- Erosion of Media Credibility: Audiences become confused and uncertain about what is true or false.
- Unverified Sharing: The more people share without checking, the faster false information spreads.
- Impact on Public Decision‑Making: Misinterpretation of global events may lead to excessive worry or misguided conclusions.
- Information Warfare Risks: Such content can be used to manipulate public opinion or drive propaganda campaigns.
What to do with this misinformation?
- Pause before sharing: Do not forward immediately; verify accuracy first.
- Check the source: Confirm whether it comes from a credible news outlet or just a general social media account.
- Verify date and context: Sometimes old news is reused in misleading contexts.
- Compare multiple outlets: Major events are usually reported consistently by several news agencies.
- Use fact‑checking tools: For example, reverse image search (Google Lens) or fact‑check websites.
- Beware of emotional wording: Fake news often uses terms like “Breaking,” “Shock,” or other sensational language.
- Do not believe without evidence: Posts lacking clear references are highly likely to be false.
- Follow official agencies or mainstream media: To receive information that has been verified.
- Apply critical thinking: Always ask, “Is there evidence?” and “Who is the source?”
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