WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Iran has allowed 10 oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, describing this move as a goodwill gesture in ongoing negotiations. Trump made these remarks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, expanding on his earlier reference to the shipment as a “present” from Iran.
“They said, to demonstrate that we are genuine and steadfast, we will allow eight oil tankers to pass through,” Trump explained. “I believe they were Pakistani-flagged vessels, but it ultimately became 10 tankers.” The White House has not yet provided further details about the ships.
In a significant development, Trump is urging Iran to reach an agreement that would clear the strategic maritime chokepoint and lead to the dismantling of its nuclear program. Earlier this week, the president surprised many by mentioning that Iran had offered the U.S. an expensive energy-related concession, though he initially withheld specifics.
“They gave us a present, which arrived today, and it was a very substantial gift, worth a tremendous amount of money,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday without elaborating.
Meanwhile, Trump also warned Iran to accept a deal to halt U.S. and Israeli airstrikes or face intensified attacks. “Iran now has the opportunity to permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions and pursue a new path forward,” he said during the Cabinet meeting. “We will see if they choose to do so. If not, we will remain their worst nightmare. Until then, we will continue our military actions.”
These comments came shortly after a senior Iranian official described Washington’s peace proposal to end nearly four weeks of conflict as “one-sided and unfair,” though diplomatic efforts are reportedly ongoing.
