Pakistan-Based User Ran 31 Hacked Accounts Posting AI War Videos During Iran Conflict: X

As the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continues, another battle is unfolding online. Social media platforms are witnessing a surge of misleading images, recycled videos, and AI-generated content claiming to show events from the war zone.

Recently, the social media platform X revealed that it had identified a network of hacked accounts spreading fake war videos. According to the platform, the accounts were allegedly operated by an individual from Pakistan who used them to share misleading content related to the ongoing conflict.

Social Media Flooded With War Content

Whenever a major conflict breaks out, social media often becomes a primary source of information for millions of people. However, it also becomes a space where misinformation spreads rapidly.

Since the recent strikes by the United States and Israel and the counterattacks by Iran, online platforms have been filled with dramatic videos and images claiming to show explosions, missile strikes, and destruction in different cities.

Many of these posts quickly go viral, shaping public perception of the conflict even before verified information becomes available.

X Detects Network of Hacked Accounts

Nikita Bier, the head of product at X, said the platform recently uncovered a coordinated network of accounts posting AI-generated war videos.

According to him, a user based in Pakistan was managing 31 hacked accounts that were being used to spread these videos. The usernames of the accounts had reportedly been changed on February 27 to variations of "Iran War Monitor."

Bier explained that the accounts were posting AI-generated content that appeared to show scenes from the conflict but were not genuine.

The platform said it is working to detect such networks faster and reduce the impact of coordinated misinformation campaigns.

Rise of an Online Information War

Experts say the spread of misleading content reflects a wider "information war" that often accompanies real-world conflicts.

Supporters of different sides attempt to influence global opinion by sharing videos and posts that highlight their narrative. Sometimes these posts exaggerate damage, while in other cases they reuse old footage from unrelated events.

Researchers say such tactics aim to shape international opinion, create confusion, and weaken the credibility of opposing sides.

Fact-Checkers Debunk Viral Claims

Fact-checking organisations have already identified several viral posts that were misleading.

According to reports, some social media accounts shared old videos and claimed they showed Iranian missile attacks on Israel or Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In reality, the videos were from earlier incidents unrelated to the current conflict.

Experts from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue said the online campaign appears designed to promote certain narratives about the war.

They noted that both sides may try to influence public opinion through digital platforms.
Iranian Bots and Other False Narratives

X has also reported blocking a number of automated accounts, often referred to as bots, that were spreading coordinated messages.

At the same time, researchers say misinformation is not limited to one side. Some Iranian opposition groups have also been accused of sharing misleading claims online, including false allegations about attacks within Iran.

These competing narratives have created a complex digital environment where truth and misinformation often mix together.

Disinformation Not Limited to This Conflict

Experts say such online tactics are not new. Similar waves of misinformation have been observed during conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier to create realistic-looking videos and images, making it harder for viewers to identify what is real.

Because of this, analysts stress the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.