Viral "New Iranian Airbase" video exposes new secrets

ALBAWABA - Viral videos circulating on social media that claim to reveal a newly announced underground Iranian airbase have been found to be misleading, with fact-checks confirming the footage dates back to a previous official disclosure.

The clips, widely shared online, were presented as evidence of a newly unveiled facility known as “Oghab 44,” with some posts linking the alleged announcement to rising military tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Verification Findings

Analysis conducted by Al Jazeera shows that the footage is not recent and does not correspond to any new military development. Instead, the material originates from a February 2023 announcement when Iran first revealed the underground airbase.

The facility was previously described as a fortified site capable of hosting fighter jets, bombers, and drones, designed to support long-range missions and withstand heavy strikes.

Recycled Content

Visual comparisons confirm that the recently circulated clips are identical to earlier footage released by Iranian state media, including appearances by senior military officials during the original unveiling.

The spread of the video highlights a recurring pattern of recycled military content being reshared with new claims, particularly during periods of heightened regional tension.