The internet is buzzing again with reports that Iran has reportedly warned Japan of “serious consequences” for supporting new U.S. sanctions on oil. This story is circulating extensively on X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram. Which comes from media posts that imply Tehran gave Japan a 48 hour ultimatum to withdraw support and cooperation. However, examination of official sources find no reputable indication that Iran issued such a threat.”
This rumor seems to have taken off first, when Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry announced earlier last week that they would follow Washington’s most recent restrictions on importing Iranian crude. Within hours of the announcement, several posts started circulating online. And by way of screenshots allegedly of Iranian official statements discussing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard preparing to respond.
However, those official statements are not appearing on any of Iran’s official news agencies, IRNA or Tasnim. Further, Japan’s foreign ministry nor not any reputable news agency like Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, etc, have reported receiving any ultimatum. That said, Iranian officials have made statements that they are pursuing “diplomatic engagement” and have denied they are escalating tensions with Tokyo.
According to some experts, the viral posts reinforce what has become a familiar pattern of hybrid misinformation. Real headlines (Japan is joining U.S. sanctions) with an inaccurate twist (Iran’s military threat). Such a combination of truth and fabricated drama results in shares and clicks. Particularly with the heightened attention to tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier this month a similar episode was also viral when users falsely claimed North Korea threatened Israel about climate activist Greta Thunberg’s detention. This claim also spread widely until fact-checkers determined it was false.
Currently, the established situation is straightforward:
- The new U.S. oil sanctions include Japan.
- Iran has issued a diplomatic critique, but there are no military threats.
- At this time, nothing official or credible supports an ultimatum.
Readers are encouraged to use caution before trusting or sharing sensational stories, by consulting more than one source of news. In speed of news vernacular, verification does this better than virality.
[…] No Evidence That Iran Threatened Retaliation Against Japan Over Oil Sanctions […]