US and Israel Launch Broad Military Campaign Against Iran Amid Rising Tensions

On February 28, the United States and Israel initiated a series of wide-ranging attacks targeting Iranian military installations and leadership positions. While tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been building for decades, the timing and comprehensive scope of this military offensive caught many observers by surprise.

In such critical moments, accurate information becomes paramount. Fact-checking organizations worldwide, including PolitiFact, Agence France-Presse, Germany’s Deutsche Welle, Iran’s Factnameh, India’s BOOM, and Israel’s Globes’ Whistle, quickly mobilized to separate fact from fiction in the fog of war.

On the first day of hostilities, fact-checkers investigated claims by President Donald Trump that Iran could “soon” possess missiles capable of reaching American soil. This assertion contradicted a 2025 U.S. government assessment that concluded such capabilities remain years away from development.

The conflict’s economic implications quickly became a focus of analysis. Fact-checkers examined the war’s potential impact on global petroleum markets, which experts predict will face significant disruption. Claims about the United States possessing “virtually unlimited” munitions supplies were also scrutinized, with the reality varying considerably depending on the specific weapons systems in question.

Misinformation has proliferated rapidly across social media platforms. Fact-checkers have identified numerous misleading posts, some created using artificial intelligence, and have provided guidance to help the public identify war-related fabrications online. Trump’s assertion that U.S. and Israeli strikes had “destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability” was determined to be inaccurate, as Iran continues to launch missiles and drones against its neighbors and U.S. military installations.

The verification process for events occurring under classified conditions in distant regions presents significant challenges. Fact-checkers must acknowledge the limitations of available information while leveraging reliable data sources and expert assessments. Organizations like PolitiFact emphasize transparency and fairness in their reporting, avoiding anonymous sources that may have hidden agendas.

The conflict has its roots in earlier military actions. In June 2025, the United States launched airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump immediately claimed that “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” a statement that contrasted sharply with more measured assessments from Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Israeli military officials.

Military experts explained that battle damage assessments require time to develop, beginning with overhead surveillance from satellites and drones, combined with pilot reports. The Iranian targets were located hundreds of feet underground, making satellite imagery insufficient for verification. Complete assessments typically indicate confidence levels rather than absolute certainty, requiring significantly more time than Trump had before making his initial statement.

The conflict occurs against a backdrop of domestic political tensions in the United States, where election integrity has been a contentious issue. Fact-checkers have analyzed claims surrounding proposed legislation like the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which would impact voting processes and citizenship verification requirements for voter registration.

Energy security has emerged as another critical concern. With Iran threatening tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices have surged globally. Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s claim that the United States produces more oil than it consumes and is a net oil exporter was found to be misleading. While the U.S. produces substantial quantities of crude oil, refinery mismatches necessitate both exports and imports of different oil types, leaving America partially dependent on international markets.

As the situation continues to evolve, fact-checking organizations remain committed to providing clear, evidence-based information to help the public understand these complex developments during a time of heightened international tension.