Vice President JD Vance on Monday opined that President Donald Trump was attempting to intimidate Iran by posting an AI-generated video of a strike on Kharg Island.

Kharg Island is a critical oil depot for the Iranian industry and its destruction would likely cause considerable long-term damage to the Iranian economy. Trump posted the video on Sunday, with the caption "Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!!"

Speaking at Joint Base Andrews on Monday, Vance said that Trump would not use social media to announce military decisions, but "I think that he’s sending a message to the Iranians," according to The Hill. Vance further suggested that Trump was specifically warning Iran against the continued targeting of commercial shipping.

Since the war began, Iran has attacked ships trying to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a slowing of commercial traffic along the waterway.

The U.S. has responded with a counter-blockade.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.