Iran has intensified its online messaging campaign against Donald Trump by circulating AI-generated videos mocking the US president, even as a fragile ceasefire between the two sides remains in place.
The latest video, shared by an Iranian consulate account on X, depicts an AI version of Trump angrily attempting to negotiate with empty chairs meant to represent Iranian officials. In the clip, the AI-generated president types: ‘We are having very great negotiations with Iran,’ before becoming increasingly frustrated at the absence of his counterparts.
The 45-second video incorporates a “2,000 years later” meme from SpongeBob SquarePants, showing the fictionalised Trump threatening, ‘If Iran doesn’t come to negotiate, we’re gonna bomb them,’ while still addressing the empty seats. At one point, he asks, ‘So where are the Iranians?’ before being handed a note by an aide that reads: ‘Shut up.’
The video concludes with the AI Trump saying, ‘Alright, then I will extend the ceasefire at Pakistan’s request,’ before walking out as laughter is heard. The consulate captioned the post: ‘How was the ceasefire extended? The video is getting viral in Iran.’
In reality, Iranian officials have indicated uncertainty over whether they will participate in the next round of talks expected in Pakistan’s capital. Esmaeil Baqaei said: ‘We entered the negotiations in good faith and with seriousness, but the negotiating party (the United States) has shown disregard and lack of good faith.’ He added: ‘Iran has not yet decided whether it will participate in the new round of peace negotiations with the United States scheduled for later this week.’
On Tuesday, April 21, Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, though the path toward renewed negotiations remains unclear.
Tensions persist in the region despite the ceasefire. Trump has maintained that the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place, a position that continues to draw international attention.
Meanwhile, a Liberian-flagged container ship, Epaminondas, was attacked early Wednesday, April 22, while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after being “approached and fired upon by a manned gunboat” approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman. Its operator, Technomar, said all crew members were “safe and accounted for,” though the vessel’s bridge sustained damage.