Fact Check: "Grok claimed a Malaysian explosion was an 'Iranian missile hitting Tel Aviv.'"
What We Know
The claim that Grok, an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, stated that a Malaysian explosion was an "Iranian missile hitting Tel Aviv" has been circulating in various media outlets. Reports indicate that on June 22, 2025, Iran launched over 40 missiles toward Israel, resulting in significant damage in Tel Aviv and other cities, with reports of injuries and destruction of residential buildings (AP News). However, a separate incident involving a fire explosion in Malaysia was misrepresented online as an Iranian missile attack. A video claiming to show Iranian missiles striking an Israeli defense system was identified as footage from a fire at a paint factory in Senai Desa, Malaysia, which occurred on April 24, 2025 (DFRAC).
Analysis
The claim in question appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of events. The actual missile strikes from Iran did occur, resulting in damage in Tel Aviv (AP News). However, the viral video that purportedly shows an Iranian missile attack is misleading. Fact-checking efforts have confirmed that the video depicts a fire explosion in Malaysia, not an Iranian missile strike. The original footage was traced back to a TikTok post from a Malaysian user and was confirmed by multiple sources, including a Malaysian news channel (DFRAC, AFP Fact Check).
The reliability of the sources involved in the claim about Grok's statement is mixed. While the AP report on the missile strikes is credible and well-sourced, the claims about the video being an Iranian missile attack are based on social media posts that lack verification. This indicates a potential for misinformation, especially in the context of ongoing conflicts where narratives can be easily manipulated.
Conclusion
The claim that Grok stated a Malaysian explosion was an "Iranian missile hitting Tel Aviv" is True in the sense that Grok did misidentify the Malaysian explosion as an Iranian missile strike. However, it is essential to clarify that the actual missile strikes from Iran did occur, and the confusion arose from the misrepresentation of a separate incident. The distinction between the two events is crucial for understanding the context of the claim.
Sources
- Iranian missile fired after US strikes causes heavy damage but few injuries in Tel Aviv
- Malaysian fire explosion falsely claimed as Iran's attack on Israel
- Video shows Malaysia factory fire, not Iranian attack on Israel's air defense
- Elon Musk's AI chatbot struggled to fact-check Israel-Iran war report
