Social media accounts, primarily those with an Iranian-speaking audience, have recently circulated videos purported to show a new United States military exercise in the Persian Gulf. The videos allegedly depict aerial displays and military maneuvers attributed to American forces, suggesting the exercise commenced in the third week of January 2026.
These accounts claimed the videos documented a recent U.S. Air Force exercise involving B-52 bombers and F-16 fighter jets.
However, an investigation into the videos and their context reveals the claims are inaccurate. Reverse image searches and contextual analysis indicate the footage actually originates from an air show held as part of Qatar’s National Day celebrations on December 18, 2025.
Further investigation into the accounts spreading these videos revealed that many are managed from outside Iran. Digital indicators and recurring posting patterns suggest operational origins in Germany, Iraq, and other locations.
Moreover, the image circulating alongside the videos dates back to November 2025 and is unrelated to current events. It was taken during the ‘Fierce Falcon 6’ exercise, a joint U.S.-Qatari military drill announced at the time.
The ‘Fierce Falcon’ exercise is a recurring, multinational event held biennially in Qatar. It aims to enhance coordination and operational efficiency between U.S. forces and their regional partners. The misrepresented videos are being used to spread disinformation and create a false narrative about US military activity in the region. DZWatch continues to monitor and debunk such attempts to manipulate public opinion.
