Trump says Iran’s Kharg is being ‘blown to smithereens’, but gives no details

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Iran's energy hub, Kharg Island, is being destroyed, following US forces targeting two Iranian rocket launchers earlier. Kharg Island, which previously handled 90% of Iran's oil exports, is a critical target as its destruction would severely disrupt Iran's energy trade and place significant pressure on its economy.

However, Trump offered no further details about the attack. The White House and the US Department of Defense have not yet responded to inquiries regarding this matter. A video clip depicting dramatic explosions was suspected to be artificially generated using AI, though this has not been officially confirmed. Iran retaliated against the US attack on its Larak Island by launching an assault on two US bases in Jordan, as reported by Iranian media.

This escalation comes amidst escalating tensions since late July, with the Trump administration intensifying economic sanctions on Tehran and its business partners, moving away from military options. Treasury Secretary Steven Bressent indicated that new secondary sanctions would likely be imposed weekly, primarily targeting banks.

He also announced that the next target may be an institution completely severed from the dollar-based financial system. Bressent hinted at more sanctions measures in the upcoming weeks, ahead of a Group of 20 finance leaders' meeting.