Trump Claims Iranian Energy Hub Destroyed as Sanctions Target Banks

US President Donald Trump announced on social media that Iran's Kharg Island is being 'blown to smithereens', but did not provide any details. The island, which handled 90% of Iran's oil exports before a US and Israeli attack in February, would severely disrupt its energy trade if attacked.

The statement was accompanied by an AI-generated video clip showing dramatic explosions. Reuters confirmed that the video was likely synthetically-generated.

Iran responded to earlier US attacks on its island of Larak with an assault on two US bases in Jordan, according to Iranian media. The return to hostilities follows weeks of increased efforts by the Trump administration to punish Tehran and its business partners with economic sanctions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said new secondary sanctions are likely to be unveiled weekly, focusing initially on banks. 'We're starting with the banks, and we're telling the banks it's not okay to have Iranian money and to aid the regime,' he stated.