Earlier this week, information appeared on Twitter that Vladimir Putin has come up with a replacement for his defense minister, Sergei Shoigu – and that it will be none other than Hollywood star and aikido expert Steven Seagal, writes Sky News.

The posts appeared to be mostly brazen – a response to the coup attempt and speculation that Shoigu might be fired – and appeared on Twitter, Reddit and Telegram.

But a small number of Iranian newspapers seem to have believed the reports, as they shared the news on their websites and Telegram channels. They cited Sputnik as a source.

The articles have since been removed.

True, Segal has close ties to Russia, and this year he was awarded the Order of Friendship Medal for his work in support of the nation.

He has been seen in Russia since the beginning of the invasion, but there is no reliable news that he will be given a significant role in the government.

Newsweek also reported that it had spoken with a representative for Seagal, who said the claim was false and that the actor did not expect to get the job.