“Indian memes are GOAT”: Iran mocks Donald Trump over Hormuz blockade with ‘Dhamaal’ clip

Iran has taken an unconventional route to respond to escalating tensions with the United States, using social media memes and Bollywood references to mock Washington’s decision to impose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian consulate in Mumbai shared a viral clip from the 2007 film Dhamaal, describing “Indian memes” as the “GOAT” while targeting US President Donald Trump.

The video featured a popular comedic scene involving actor Riteish Deshmukh, portraying the United States attempting to evade Iran, symbolised by characters chasing him. The clip was used to ridicule the US move to block the vital maritime route, which remains critical for global oil and trade flows. The term “GOAT,” used in the post, refers to “Greatest of All Time,” highlighting the tone of the message.

This is part of a broader digital strategy by Iranian diplomatic missions, which have increasingly used memes and pop culture references to convey political messaging. In another post, the consulate invoked a famous dialogue associated with Shah Rukh Khan to warn the US, while showcasing Iran’s naval strength, describing its missile boats as the “Red Bees of the Persian Gulf.”

The online exchanges come amid heightened geopolitical tensions following the collapse of recent US-Iran talks and Washington’s announcement of a blockade on Iranian-linked shipping routes. The move has raised concerns among global shipping and energy markets, with experts warning of disruptions to oil, food, and fertiliser supply chains if the situation escalates further.

Despite the sharp rhetoric and symbolic messaging, diplomatic uncertainty continues, with both sides yet to reach a resolution. Iran’s use of humour and cultural references underscores a parallel information battle, even as the broader conflict keeps global attention focused on security and stability in the region.