Vance Says Trump's AI Video on Iran Is a Warning, Not a Military Announcement

US Vice President JD Vance has sought to downplay an AI-generated video posted by President Donald Trump that depicted a stylized attack on Iran's Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian oil exports. Speaking to reporters before departing for a rally in Michigan, Vance described the video as part of the president's social media style rather than a formal policy declaration.

"The president likes to switch it up on social media a little bit," Vance said. "He would be the first to say he doesn't make announcements about military actions on social media." However, Vance added that the video was intended to send a message to Tehran over its continued targeting of commercial shipping in the region.

"We know that they continue to shoot at commercial shipping," Vance said. "We continue to have a lot of tools at our disposal to prevent them from doing so... You've got to stop or there are going to be some consequences."

The comments come as American forces reportedly struck Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such military action in a month. Despite Vance's remarks, Trump has historically used his social media platform for major announcements, including military decisions.

Vance also addressed the president's recent comments on data centers, clarifying that Trump's criticism of opponents was aimed at ensuring energy infrastructure keeps pace with AI development. Vance noted that most public backlash stems from rising utility costs, and urged companies to build power plants alongside data centers.

"If you build a data center, you should be putting power back into the grid, not taking it out," Vance said. "If that is happening, I don't think the data centers are that controversial."