U.S. Vice President JD Vance said President Donald Trump’s recent social media post referencing Kharg Island was intended as a signal to Iran, despite no evidence of military action against the strategic energy hub. Speaking on Tuesday, Vance acknowledged that while Trump avoids announcing military operations on social media, the post appeared designed to send a broader message to Iranian authorities.

On Sunday, Trump shared a brief social media message accompanied by an AI-generated video depicting the destruction of Kharg Island, a key facility responsible for handling about 90% of Iran’s oil exports prior to recent U.S. and Israeli attacks. The island’s role in Iran’s energy infrastructure makes it a critical target, as its incapacitation would significantly disrupt Iranian oil trade and exert economic pressure.

However, a U.S. official clarified that American forces had not conducted strikes on Kharg Island in the overnight period following the post. Instead, the same official confirmed that U.S. military operations targeted two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, marking the first known U.S. strikes since late July.

Iranian officials quickly dismissed Trump’s social media message as “laughable,” rejecting the suggestion of any current damage to Kharg Island. The dismissive response reflected ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran amid escalating hostilities in the region.

The situation remains volatile following a series of U.S. and Israeli military actions launched on February 28, which have specifically targeted Iranian energy sites and military assets. The strategic importance of Kharg Island continues to make it a focal point in the contest between Iran and Western powers over control and influence in the Persian Gulf.