President Donald Trump disclosed that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “gesture” toward the United States ahead of potential peace talks.
The move, he said, signaled that Tehran was serious about negotiating an end to the month-long military conflict.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump described the passage of eight tankers carrying oil, later joined by two vessels flying the Pakistani flag, as a “very big present worth a tremendous amount of money.” He added that the action demonstrated Iran’s willingness to engage with “the right people” in the U.S. administration.
Trump characterized the Iranian forces as “lousy fighters” but praised their negotiation skills, calling them “very smart.” He emphasized that U.S. negotiators, led by Steve Witkoff, have cautioned Tehran against miscalculating its position, and noted that Iran may now be seeking an “off-ramp” to the ongoing hostilities.
Despite the gesture, no formal talks have been confirmed. Iran has denied that either direct or indirect negotiations are occurring, including potential intermediaries such as Pakistan.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following almost a month of military actions. U.S.-Israeli plans to target senior Iranian leaders were reportedly aborted after Washington warned that removing regime figures could leave no one available for negotiation.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, had been nearly at a standstill due to the threat of drone, missile, and mine attacks. Trump’s disclosure underscores the strategic importance of the region and highlights the delicate balance between military pressure and diplomatic engagement in the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Trump concluded, “We will see where things lead and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point, with no good alternatives for them other than more death and destruction,” suggesting cautious optimism for a possible breakthrough.
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