Trump threatens Tehran by broadcasting video of Kharg Island destruction

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump has sent a message to Iran by releasing a video on social media depicting the destruction of Kharg Island in Iran, according to Vice President JD Vance.

“I think he is sending a message to Iran. Look, we know that they continue to shoot at commercial vessels,” Vance told reporters on Monday (31/8).

According to Vance, Trump intends to convey to Iran that the United States considers their actions unacceptable.

Earlier on the same day, Trump released a video created by artificial intelligence (AI) showing the “destruction” of Kharg Island in Iran.

The ten-second video on the Truth Social platform shows the island’s oil production infrastructure engulfed in flames following missile strikes.

On 18 June 2026, Tehran and Washington had signed a memorandum of understanding guaranteeing an end to military conflict.

However, starting from 8 July 2026, US forces resumed a series of attacks against Iran, allegedly in response to Iranian actions against commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian forces subsequently retaliated by attacking several US bases in the Middle East.

Trump stated on 9 July that the ceasefire between the US and Iran was no longer in effect. Subsequently, on 12 July, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until the end of US involvement in the region.