WASHINGTON, DC — United States President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran is set to send 20 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday, describing the move as a sign of “respect” amid ongoing negotiations between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Washington, Trump characterized the reported shipment as an unusual but positive development in diplomatic efforts to reach a deal with Tehran.
“And now, today, they gave us, as a tribute — I don't know, I can't define it exactly, but they gave us, I think out of a sign of respect, 20 boats of oil — big, big boats of oil — going through the Hormuz Strait, and that's taking place starting tomorrow morning,” Trump said.
The president did not provide additional details about the logistics of the shipment, including its destination, ownership, or whether the oil cargoes are intended directly for the United States or global markets. However, his remarks suggest that the movement of the vessels is being interpreted by Washington as part of broader diplomatic signaling from Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically significant maritime routes in the world, serving as a key passage for global oil shipments. Any large-scale movement of tankers through the strait, particularly amid heightened tensions, is closely monitored by international markets and security analysts.
Trump framed the development as evidence that negotiations with Iran are progressing positively, even as uncertainty remains over the outcome.
“I would only say that we're doing extremely well in that negotiation,” he said, adding that he believes an agreement could be within reach. “I’m pretty sure we’ll make a deal, but it’s possible we won’t.”
“I do see a deal in Iran,” Trump continued. “It could be soon.”
According to the president, the United States is engaging Iran through multiple diplomatic channels, including both direct and indirect talks. While he did not elaborate on the intermediaries involved, such negotiations often include third-party countries or international organizations acting as facilitators.
The comments come just days after Iran reportedly rejected a 15-point proposal put forward by the United States aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials indicated that any ceasefire arrangement would be determined solely on Tehran’s terms and timeline, underscoring the challenges facing negotiators despite recent signals of progress.
When asked whether Iran had formally responded to the US proposal, Trump suggested that Tehran had effectively addressed many of the outlined conditions.
“Yeah...They gave us most of the points — why wouldn’t they?” he said, without specifying which elements had been accepted or discussed.
He further linked the reported tanker movement to Iran’s willingness to engage constructively.
“Just to prove that they’re serious, they gave us all of these boats,” Trump added.
Despite his optimism, Trump acknowledged that military options remain under consideration, though he emphasized that the United States has a range of strategies available beyond deploying ground forces.
When questioned about the possibility of sending US troops into Iran, the president responded cautiously.
“We have lots of alternatives,” he said, declining to provide specifics.
Trump also indicated that the current Iranian leadership involved in negotiations appears different from previous counterparts, describing them as more cooperative and pragmatic.
“We’re ahead of schedule with Iran. We’re weeks ahead of schedule,” he said. “And we have a group — it’s really a new regime. It’s a new group of people — people that we’ve never dealt with before, that are acting very reasonable.”
The reference to a “new regime” or negotiating group was not clarified, and there has been no independent confirmation of any formal leadership change within Iran. Analysts caution that such statements may reflect shifts in negotiating teams rather than broader political transformation.
The broader context of the negotiations includes ongoing military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with both sides having engaged in strikes and counterstrikes in recent weeks. These developments have heightened concerns about regional stability and the risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Energy markets are also watching closely. Any perceived easing of tensions or increased oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz could influence global oil prices, which have been volatile amid fears of supply disruptions.
However, experts note that Trump’s characterization of the tanker movement as a “tribute” is unconventional in diplomatic terms. It remains unclear whether the shipments represent a formal agreement, a goodwill gesture, routine commercial activity, or a strategic maneuver by Iran to influence negotiations.
Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed Trump’s claims regarding the 20 tankers or their intended purpose. The absence of immediate verification has led to cautious reactions from international observers, who stress the need for independent confirmation before drawing firm conclusions.
Still, the president’s remarks underscore a potential shift in tone, with both sides appearing to balance military posturing with ongoing diplomatic engagement.
As negotiations continue, key questions remain unanswered, including the specifics of any potential agreement, the role of international mediators, and whether recent developments signal a genuine breakthrough or a temporary tactical move by either side.
With Trump expressing confidence while acknowledging uncertainty, the coming days are likely to be critical in determining whether the reported tanker shipments mark a turning point in US-Iran relations—or simply another complex chapter in a long-running geopolitical standoff.
