In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump alleged that Iranian actors were using artificial intelligence to circulate fabricated images and claims about damage to US military assets.

He specifically referred to reports and online posts suggesting that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln had been attacked and was burning at sea.

“Iran, working in close coordination with the Fake News Media, shows our great USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier … burning uncontrollably in the Ocean,” Trump wrote.

“Not only was it not burning, it was not even shot at — Iran knows better than to do that.”

He said the reports were “knowingly FAKE” and argued that media outlets that disseminated them “should be brought up on Charges for TREASON for the dissemination of false information.”

Trump also claimed Iran was attempting to influence public opinion through AI-generated content, saying the country was “being decimated” militarily and could only claim victories through fabricated narratives circulated online.

The president further criticised what he called the “Radical Left-wing Press”, accusing it of continuing to publish false stories about the conflict.

Trump also praised Brendan Carr, head of the Federal Communications Commission, who has said he is reviewing the broadcast licences of outlets accused of spreading disinformation.

“They get billions of dollars of free American airwaves, and use it to perpetuate lies,” Trump wrote, also criticising late-night television programmes and their hosts.