A widely circulated claim on social media alleging that Iran had readied intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to strike cities in the United States has been debunked by experts and intelligence assessments.
The misinformation, which surfaced on April 26, 2026, used recycled footage of explosions to falsely suggest that Tehran was preparing long-range missile attacks on the US mainland. Analysts and reports from the defence intelligence agencies have confirmed that Iran currently does not possess operational ICBMs.
According to defence experts, Iran’s missile capabilities are limited to a range of approximately 4,000 kilometres, which allows it to target locations within the Middle East and parts of Europe, but not the United States.
The false narrative gained traction at a sensitive time, as fragile ceasefire efforts continue in the ongoing 2026 Iran conflict. The conflict has seen US and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian facilities, while Tehran has responded with missile launches aimed at regional positions.
Observers say such misinformation campaigns can further inflame tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts. They stress the importance of verifying content, particularly during periods of heightened geopolitical instability, where misleading claims can quickly escalate fears and uncertainty.
Despite its growing missile programme, Iran has long focused on medium- and intermediate-range ballistic systems, which play a central role in its regional defence strategy. However, the absence of proven long-range ICBM capability means claims of direct threats to US cities remain unfounded.
Analysts warn that the spread of such false information during ongoing negotiations could undermine trust and disrupt attempts to stabilise the region.