Trump posts AI video of Iran’s Kharg Island 'being blown to smithereens'

Iran's Kharg Island energy hub is reportedly being destroyed, according to US President Donald Trump's recent social media post. The post, accompanied by an AI-generated video clip, claimed that the strategic facility was being blown to smithereens. However, no additional evidence was provided to confirm this attack. The White House and the US Defense Department did not respond to inquiries outside of regular business hours.

The White House and the US Defense Department did not respond to Reuters requests for comment outside regular business hours. Kharg Island's destruction would have a significant impact on Iran's energy trade, as the facility handled 90% of Iran's oil exports prior to the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel on February 28th.

Iran had previously retaliated against US military action on its Larak Island, resulting in an attack on two US bases in Jordan. The ongoing conflict was fueled by President Trump's intensified efforts to enforce economic sanctions on Iran, with a focus on targeting banks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that secondary sanctions would be implemented weekly, aiming to pressure Iran's financial system.

Despite US President Trump's assurances of an open Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy has warned that the waterway remains closed without Iranian approval. The strategic waterway carries nearly a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.