Trump Claims Iran's Kharg Island Under Attack, But Provides No Details
US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran's Kharg Island is being 'blown to smithereens', but provided no details. The post included an AI-generated video clip showing dramatic explosions, which was likely synthetically created. Reuters confirmed the authenticity of the video.
Kharg Island hosts Iran's main crude export terminal and is responsible for about 90% of its oil shipments to the world. Attacking the island would severely disrupt Iran's energy trade and put significant pressure on its economy.
The US has stepped up efforts to punish Tehran with economic sanctions, shifting away from military options. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Reuters that new secondary sanctions are likely to be unveiled weekly in an effort to pressure Iran, with a focus on banks.