US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is sending 20 oil tankers to the United States through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the move will begin early Monday and described it as a gesture of respect.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling to Washington, Trump said the development was unexpected. He suggested that the shipment reflects a positive tone from Iran during ongoing discussions.
“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,” he said.
Trump also commented on the progress of talks with Iran, saying negotiations are moving well. He expressed confidence that a deal could be reached, although he acknowledged that nothing is guaranteed.
“I would only say that we're doing extremely well in that negotiation,” he said, adding that he is “pretty sure” a deal will happen, while also noting that it may still fall through.
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He further stated, “I do see a deal in Iran,” adding that it “could be soon.” According to him, discussions are being conducted both directly and indirectly between the two sides.
When asked about possible military action, Trump said the United States has multiple options and is not limited to any single approach. He avoided giving a clear answer on whether ground forces are being considered.
Trump also claimed that the current pace of negotiations is ahead of expectations. He said the US is dealing with a new group of Iranian leadership that is acting in a more reasonable manner compared to the past.
Meanwhile, Iran had previously rejected a US-proposed 15-point plan aimed at ending the conflict. Tehran stated that any ceasefire must follow its own terms and timeline.
When asked about Iran’s response to the proposal, Trump suggested that Iran had accepted many of the points. He added that the alleged movement of oil tankers shows Iran’s seriousness in negotiations.
“Yeah...They gave us most of the points, why wouldn't they?” he said, referring to Iran’s position. He also linked the oil tanker claim to what he described as a sign of cooperation.
