In a social media post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the energy facility on Kharg Island, Iran, is “shattered” and shared an artificial intelligence-generated video depicting dramatic explosions. Reports indicate that there is no evidence supporting the claim that the energy center was under attack.
The White House and the U.S. Department of Defense have not responded to inquiries regarding Trump’s assertions outside of regular working hours. Iranian media has not immediately addressed Trump’s post.
Trump’s message included, “Kharg Island is made to smithereens!!! President DJT,” but did not provide further details.
According to Reuters, the video released by Trump, which showcased spectacular explosions, was likely created using AI technology capable of detecting manipulated images.
Kharg Island, a small landmass of just 6 square kilometers, lies 25 kilometers off the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf. Historically, it managed 90% of Iran’s oil exports before the military operations initiated by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, which severely affected the country’s energy trade and economy.
Economic Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Financial System
In retaliation to a previous U.S. strike on missile launchers on Larak Island, approximately 660 kilometers east of Kharg, Iranian forces attacked two U.S. bases in Jordan, according to Iranian media. The resumption of hostilities comes after weeks of heightened efforts by the Trump administration to penalize Tehran and its business partners with costly economic sanctions, foregoing military options.
Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary, stated that new secondary sanctions are likely to be announced weekly as part of the strategy to exert pressure on Iran. “We are starting with the banks and telling them it is unacceptable to hold Iranian funds and support the regime,” Bessent asserted.
Following the imposition of sanctions on the UAE branches of Egyptian bank Banque Misr due to alleged financial connections to Iran, Bessent indicated that the next step might involve complete exclusion of certain institutions from the dollar-based financial system.
“You will see many more such measures on a weekly basis,” Bessent informed reporters ahead of a G20 finance leaders meeting.
Recent Military Engagements
Concerning the initial U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian territory in the past month, an American official noted that U.S. forces attacked two Iranian launchers on Larak Island. This small island in the Strait of Hormuz, located near the strategically important Bandar Abbas port, plays a crucial role in maritime routes in the Gulf, amid escalating tensions regarding Iran, maritime security, and global energy supply.
Reports indicated that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces were observed preparing to launch mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at Jordan, targeting two U.S. bases. Jordanian armed forces intercepted eight missiles that entered its airspace, as reported by state television.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated that the attack resulted in casualties among soldiers and civilians, vowing a “reaction and punishment” from Tehran, according to Iranian state media.
U.S. Central Command stated that it conducted a “limited and precise” action against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces deemed an “imminent threat” in the Strait of Hormuz but did not provide further details.
Following the U.S. attacks, Iran reportedly targeted an American base in Jordan, as cited by a Fox News reporter referencing an American source.
Decreased Maritime Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz
Nearly all missiles fired were reportedly intercepted, indicating a lack of significant impact, according to a reporter on X. Amid threats to maritime transport, the visible number of cargo ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz declined to five per day over the weekend, according to maritime traffic data.
The actual number of vessels could be higher, as some ships have turned off their automatic identification systems to evade attacks.
Last week, Trump reiterated that all mines had been detonated or removed from the international waters of the Strait and warned that any ship placing new mines would be destroyed. Despite Trump’s statements that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has labeled these claims as “an obvious lie,” reiterating that the strait remains closed to vessels lacking Iran’s permission.
