Iran oil passage eases Strait of Hormuz bottleneck as Tehran signals seriousness in Middle East peace talks

Tehran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz as a gesture to demonstrate its commitment to negotiations, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday in Washington, DC.

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Trump, speaking at his first cabinet meeting since the Middle East conflict began nearly four weeks ago, referred to the movement of the vessels as a “present” from Iran intended to show that the country was “real and solid” in talks to end the war.

“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,’” Trump told reporters, adding that two more tankers were later included after an apology from Iranian officials.

The tankers were reported to be Pakistani-flagged, according to Trump, though there is no independent verification confirming the specific vessels.

Marine intelligence firm Kpler has tracked six oil tankers and five gas carriers transiting the Gulf since Monday, with some currently subject to US sanctions linked to Iran.

Two of the oil tankers appear to be heading to China, one to Thailand, while gas carriers are en route to Singapore and India. The destinations of the remaining vessels remain uncertain.

The move marks a rare easing of shipping restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy trade, which Iranian forces have effectively slowed since the conflict began.

Analysts describe the gesture as a powerful signal of Tehran’s willingness to engage diplomatically amid escalating regional tensions.

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President Trump indicated that he had confirmed the details with his Middle East negotiator, Steve Witkoff, before publicly disclosing the news, underscoring the careful coordination behind the announcement.