A brief social media post by the US energy secretary prompted a major U-turn from the Trump administration. Within 30 minutes, Chris Wright had posted – and deleted – a message claiming the US Navy had successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite its short life, the claim sent oil markets into a frenzy, prompted a denial from the White House and triggered mockery from Iranian officials. Vedika Bahl explains in Truth or Fake.