Donald Trump posts AI video depicting destruction of Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub

President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social depicting Iran’s Kharg Island “being blown to smithereens,” escalating an already volatile standoff with Tehran. The post, dated July 26, featured captions including “STRIKE ON KHARG” and showed simulated bombings of the island facility. For context on why this matters: Kharg Island processes approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. Trump himself has previously called it Iran’s “crown jewel” of economic infrastructure. This isn’t the first time the president has used social media to telegraph threats against Iranian energy assets. Back in March, Trump posted videos of alleged military actions targeting Kharg Island and issued explicit warnings about consequences if Iran blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz. The timing is notable. The post arrived during what has been a relative lull in direct military confrontation between the US and Iran, following coordinated US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28. Iran has responded in kind, producing its own AI-generated content mocking American military efforts at Kharg Island. Why Kharg Island keeps everyone nervous Kharg Island has served as the backbone of...