An Iranian diplomatic mission has released an AI-generated video depicting a religious figure confronting US President Donald Trump, escalating tensions after backlash over an earlier image he shared portraying himself in a Christ-like role.

What sparked it

The controversy began after Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing himself in a messianic-style pose, which drew criticism from religious groups and online users who described it as inappropriate.

The image quickly went viral, with many accusing the US president of blasphemy and drawing parallels with religious warnings about false messianic figures.

The AI video response

In response, the Iranian Embassy shared a dramatized AI-generated clip showing a figure representing Jesus confronting Trump.

In the video, the figure declares, “Your reckoning has come,” before striking him and casting him into a fiery pit.

The clip has since circulated widely, further fueling reactions across social media and political circles.

Trump defends post

Reacting to the backlash, Trump dismissed the interpretation of the image, insisting it was misunderstood.

“It wasn’t a depiction. It was me,” he said, explaining that the image was intended to portray him as a doctor.

“It was supposed to be me as a doctor making people better… and I do make people better,” he added.

Global reactions

The controversy has drawn responses beyond the US, including from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, who condemned Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV.

“I condemn the insult… the desecration of Jesus… is not acceptable,” he said.

The issue has also reignited tensions between Trump and the Pope after the US president criticised the pontiff’s leadership.

Pope responds

Pope Leo XIV declined to escalate the situation but reaffirmed his stance on global peace and moral responsibility.

“I don’t want to get into a debate with him,” the Pope said, stressing that religious messages should not be misused.

He added that he would continue to speak out on war, peace, and global dialogue.

Wider tensions

The development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, following weeks of conflict in the Middle East.

The latest exchange signals a growing mix of political, religious, and digital narratives shaping the ongoing standoff.