WASHINGTON: The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has sparked a wave of AI-generated satellite images spreading disinformation online, raising concerns among researchers about the growing role of artificial intelligence in wartime propaganda.
According to researchers, a satellite image shared by Iran-aligned media claimed to show a destroyed US radar base in Qatar.
However, investigators later confirmed that the image was fake and created using artificial intelligence.
Experts revealed that the image was actually a manipulated version of an older Google Earth satellite photo of a US base located in Bahrain.
The altered image falsely portrayed the site as being heavily damaged.
AI-Generated Images Going Viral
Despite being fake, the manipulated image quickly went viral across social media platforms, gaining millions of views and spreading in multiple languages.
Open-source intelligence researcher Brady Africk said the use of AI-generated satellite imagery has noticeably increased during major global conflicts.
He noted that many of these images show clear signs of artificial generation such as:
unusual camera angles
blurred or distorted details
unrealistic features that do not match real-world geography
Some images, researchers said, are also manually edited satellite photos where signs of damage are artificially added to create a false narrative.
‘Fog of War’ and Information Warfare
Information warfare analyst Tal Hagin also highlighted another AI-generated satellite image circulating online that falsely claimed US-Israeli jets had targeted fake aircraft decoys in Iran.
Investigators discovered nonsensical geographic coordinates embedded in the image, which helped expose it as fabricated.
In some cases, researchers also detected SynthID watermarks, a hidden digital marker used to identify images created with Google’s AI tools.
Experts warn that the growing spread of fake satellite images is exploiting the “fog of war,” when reliable information is scarce and audiences are more vulnerable to misinformation.
Real-World Risks of AI Disinformation
Researchers say manipulated satellite imagery can have serious real-world consequences, including:
influencing public opinion about wars
misleading policymakers and analysts
triggering panic or speculation in financial markets
Satellite intelligence companies have already used real-time imagery to debunk several viral fake images during recent conflicts.
Experts stress that as AI tools become more advanced, the public must verify visual content carefully and approach wartime imagery with caution and critical awareness.
