AI-generated images of Khamenei’s July funeral spread online among supporters and opposition

Supporters of Iran’s government and members of the opposition have been circulating AI‑generated pictures that depict funeral services held in early July for the country’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The images, which show crowds, mourning banners and religious rites, are being shared on social‑media platforms despite the fact that Khamenei was reportedly killed in a U.S.–Israeli strike on 28 February, a claim that remains unverified by independent sources.

The spread of the fabricated visuals highlights ongoing information‑war tactics surrounding the disputed death of the cleric. Analysts note that the use of artificial‑intelligence tools to create realistic yet false depictions can amplify polarization, as both pro‑regime and anti‑regime groups employ the images to bolster their narratives. Verification efforts by fact‑checking organizations have confirmed that the photographs are synthetic, underscoring the need for caution when interpreting visual content related to the unfolding political crisis in Iran.