DUBAI — Ekhbary News Agency
Iranian officials on Monday dismissed as "laughable" a social media post by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which featured an AI-generated video clip purportedly showing Iran's crucial Kharg Island oil hub "blown to smithereens." This swift rejection came amidst a significant uptick in hostilities between Washington and Tehran, further dimming prospects for de-escalation in a conflict now in its sixth month, for what it's worth.
Escalating Regional Tensions
The controversy erupted shortly after U.S. forces confirmed striking two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, located approximately 660 kilometers east of Kharg, on Sunday. A U.S. official stated these actions targeted Revolutionary Guard Corps forces preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In alleged retaliation, Iranian media reported attacks on two U.S. bases in Jordan, though the UAE's defence ministry later refuted claims of a strike on its Al Minhad air base, instead reporting an engagement with a drone from Iran.
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Economic Impact and Iranian Stance
Hamid Bovard, CEO of the state-run National Iranian Oil Co., asserted that operations on Kharg Island remained "calm and appropriate," with workers continuing repairs and modernization efforts. Kharg, which handled 90% of Iran’s oil exports before the conflict began on February 28, is vital to the nation's economy. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while not directly addressing Trump's post, affirmed his country's commitment to responding decisively to any aggression, declaring, "We will never remain silent in the face of any aggression." The renewed tensions have already pushed global oil prices nearly 2% higher, reflecting market apprehension.
