Trump accuses Iran of AI disinformation; urges seven allies to escort ships through Hormuz

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday accused Iran of spreading artificial-intelligence–generated disinformation about the conflict with the United States, while also saying Washington remains in contact with Tehran but doubts the country is ready for serious negotiations.

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran has been circulating AI-generated images and videos depicting attacks on US military assets, including footage showing the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) aircraft carrier burning at sea. Trump said the claims were false and that the carrier had not been attacked.

He also rejected reports that several US refueling aircraft had been destroyed, saying the planes remain operational except for one that he said would soon return to service. Trump accused some media organisations of amplifying what he called fabricated material and criticized the press broadly for spreading misinformation during the conflict, including the Wall Street Journal.

Trump also praised Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, for examining the broadcast licenses of certain news organizations he described as “corrupt” and “unpatriotic.”

Speaking earlier Sunday to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Florida to Washington, Trump said the United States is communicating with Iran but expressed skepticism about the prospects for diplomatic progress.

“We’re talking to them, but I don’t think they are ready,” Trump said, referring to Iranian leaders.

The president added that the US military had targeted Iranian drone manufacturing facilities in recent strikes, though officials have not independently confirmed those operations.

Trump also said Iran’s military capability had been significantly weakened. “Iran has very little firepower left,” he told reporters.

Over the weekend, Trump warned that further US strikes could target Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal. The escalating conflict has already disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route that carries a significant share of the world’s oil supply.

Despite ongoing contacts between Washington and Tehran, Trump indicated he was not ready to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the fighting, suggesting the conflict could continue as the US intensifies pressure on Iran.

Officials in Tehran have not publicly responded to Trump’s latest accusations regarding AI-generated propaganda or the reported US strikes.