Two Chinese oil tankers carrying crude oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, signaling renewed hopes that the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran could move toward a resolution after optimistic remarks from US officials.
US President Donald Trump said the war could end “very quickly,” while Vice President JD Vance pointed to progress in negotiations with Tehran aimed at ending hostilities.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he had paused a planned resumption of military operations after Iran presented a new proposal for peace. He warned, however, that the United States could launch fresh attacks within days if negotiations failed.
Meanwhile, Vance acknowledged challenges in talks with Iran’s leadership but said Washington was attempting to define its red lines clearly. He also stressed that preventing a wider nuclear arms race in the region remained a key US objective.
According to shipping data from LSEG and Kpler, the two Chinese supertankers carried nearly four million barrels of Iraqi crude through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies. The movement of the vessels raised hopes that tensions in the Gulf may ease after months of disruption to energy shipments and regional trade.
Oil prices reacted positively to the developments, with Brent crude falling to nearly $110 per barrel before recovering some losses later in the day.
Iranian officials, however, maintained a firm stance during negotiations. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, said the United States paused attacks after realising Iran would respond decisively to any further military action.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran’s latest proposal included an end to hostilities, removal of nearby US forces, lifting sanctions and compensation for damage caused during the conflict.
