President Donald J. Trump announced today that Iran permitted the transit of 10 oil tankers through the strategic Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture during ongoing negotiations, describing it as the mysterious "present" he referenced earlier this week.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Trump elaborated on cryptic comments made earlier, stating that Iranian negotiators offered the safe passage of the tankers to demonstrate their seriousness and reliability in talks aimed at resolving the conflict.
"They said, 'To show you the fact that we’re real and solid and we’re there, we’re going to let you have eight boats of oil, eight big boats of oil,'" Trump recounted. He noted that the total reached 10 tankers, with two additional vessels allowed through later, reportedly as an apology for an unspecified issue. Trump added that the tankers appeared to be Pakistani-flagged.
The President framed the move as positive evidence that his administration is "dealing with the right people" in Tehran, signaling a potential opening for de-escalation amid tensions in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been a focal point of recent military and diplomatic activity.
"This is a big present," Trump emphasized, expressing optimism about the direction of indirect negotiations while cautioning that he hoped his public comments would not complicate ongoing discussions.
The announcement comes as the U.S. continues to balance military pressure with diplomatic outreach in the Middle East. No immediate confirmation from Iranian officials was available, and details regarding the tankers' destinations, cargo, or exact timing remain limited.
The White House indicated that further updates on the negotiations would be provided as developments unfold.