Finally, check the date.
Old stories and images are frequently republished as if they were new. A development from months or years ago can suddenly go viral after being presented without context.
What we can actually say
The verified picture is more complicated than the viral headline.
Countries around the world are strengthening military partnerships.
European governments are increasing defense preparedness in response to the changed security environment created by the war in Ukraine.
Middle Eastern and international governments are concerned about the safety of shipping routes.
Multinational security cooperation is increasing.
Geopolitical tensions remain high.
All of those developments are real and important.
But they do not establish that 13 countries have collectively launched an attack.
That is the crucial distinction readers should remember.
Could the situation become more dangerous?
