Trump Claims Iran Allows 10 Oil Tankers to Cross Strait of Hormuz

Washington (ANTARA) - United States President Donald Trump, on Thursday (26/3), claimed that Iran has allowed 10 “oil tankers” to cross the Strait of Hormuz, including eight vessels flying the Pakistani flag, and described this as a “gift” to the US.

Trump made the statement amid reports of “indirect talks” between the US and Iran.

Trump stated, during a cabinet meeting at the White House, that the development proves Washington is engaged in “very substantial talks” with Iranian negotiators.

“It seems we’re dealing with the right people,” said Trump, who refused to specify with whom the US is holding talks.

“They said, ‘To show you that we’re real and solid and truly present, we’ll give you eight oil tankers, eight ships, eight big oil tankers. They’re real and they’re true,’” Trump said.

The Iranian side also sent two additional ships “to apologise for something they said,” Trump added.

The US President also hinted that taking over Iran’s oil supplies is “an option.”

“I mean, I’m not going to talk about it, but it’s an option,” Trump said.

Trump added that the raid and forced capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on 3 January has helped the US generate “billions and billions of dollars.”

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that the “indirect talks” between the US and Iran are taking place through messages relayed by Pakistan.

The US and Israel launched a large-scale airstrike against Iran on 28 February, disrupting global shipments, causing oil prices to surge, and shaking the global economy.