Washington DC (US), August 31, 2026, BNN Web Staff: US President Donald Trump has shared an AI-generated video on his Truth Social account depicting an apparent attack on Iran’s strategically important Kharg Island, accompanied by the message, “Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!!”
The footage appears to show an oil storage facility and an oil tanker exploding, viewed from an aircraft flying over the island. The video was presented by Trump as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.
Kharg Island is a major hub for Iran’s oil exports and is considered a critical part of the country’s energy infrastructure. Trump has repeatedly threatened to target or seize the island amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump’s post came after he reiterated in an interview with Fox News that Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. He described Iran as a leading state sponsor of terrorism and said a nuclear weapon in Tehran’s hands could pose a threat to Israel as well as countries in the Middle East, Europe and the United States.
The latest development follows a series of military exchanges between Iran and US forces in the region. Iran has claimed that its ballistic missiles targeted two US airbases in Jordan — King Hussein and Al-Azraq. Iranian media reported that the strikes focused on technical, maintenance and fighter-aircraft facilities, while reports said Jordanian air defences intercepted the incoming missiles.
The Iranian retaliation followed a US strike on Larak Island, where Iranian authorities reported casualties. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) condemned the US action and warned of retaliation.
IRGC spokesman and Public Relations Chief Hossein Mohebbi described the US operation as a serious strategic mistake and warned that Washington would face consequences in both economic and military spheres.
Earlier on Sunday, US forces reportedly struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island, a strategically important location near the Strait of Hormuz. US officials said the action followed observations that IRGC forces were preparing to launch rockets and deploy sea mines in the strategic shipping corridor.
The escalation comes amid growing economic pressure on Tehran following the US announcement of “Operation Economic Outcast”, aimed at restricting Iran’s financial networks and revenue sources.
