US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture, describing the move as a “present” signaling seriousness in ongoing negotiations.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Trump explained that Tehran initially permitted eight large oil tankers to transit the waterway earlier this week, followed by two additional vessels later. He portrayed the decision as a sign that Iranian authorities are willing to engage diplomatically despite heightened tensions.
Moreover, Trump indicated that the tankers were likely not American but may have been linked to other countries, including vessels reportedly flying Pakistani flags. He suggested the passage demonstrated a level of coordination and trust-building amid indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran.
The development comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes—has faced severe disruption due to the ongoing conflict. Shipping traffic has declined sharply, with only limited vessels managing to cross the waterway in recent weeks.
However, the White House has not released detailed information about the tankers, their destinations, or the broader diplomatic context. Meanwhile, analysts caution that the move may be symbolic rather than a substantive breakthrough, as tensions remain high and formal negotiations have yet to begin publicly.
Still, Trump expressed cautious optimism, suggesting the gesture could indicate progress toward de-escalation and a possible pathway to broader talks aimed at ending the conflict.
