Hormuz sees 10 Pakistan-flagged tankers, Trump calls it Iran gift

Iran has allowed 10 Pakistan-flagged oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz this week, US President

Iran has allowed 10 Pakistan-flagged oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz this week, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday. He described the move as a “present” to the United States and a sign that Iran was serious in talks over ending the conflict.

Trump explained the situation during a White House Cabinet meeting, saying that the first eight tankers were allowed through, followed by two more, bringing the total to 10. “They said, ‘To show you we’re real and solid, we’re going to let you have eight boats of oil…’ It ended up being 10 boats,” Trump said. He also noted that he believed the tankers were flying Pakistani flags.

The US has said it is in talks to find a peaceful solution to the war with Iran, although Tehran denies that any direct negotiations are ongoing. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that Washington has delivered a 15-point framework for a peace deal, but it was sent through Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator.

Iranian media reported earlier that Tehran rejected a US ceasefire offer and presented its own list of conditions for ending the war. These include control over the Strait of Hormuz, compensation for damages, and guarantees that conflict would not restart. The strait is a crucial route for global oil trade, handling about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply.

Trump also spoke about the US military’s impact on Iran’s forces, saying the American military had destroyed much of Iran’s air and naval capabilities. However, he acknowledged that Iran could still block the strait and target ships, making the route dangerous. “The problem with the straits is this… 1% is unacceptable, because 1% is a missile going into the hull of a ship that cost a billion dollars,” he said.

Despite tensions, Trump said he was optimistic that the situation would improve soon. The passage of Pakistan-flagged tankers is seen as a small step toward easing the energy crisis caused by the conflict.

The White House did not provide further details about the tankers, but the move highlights Pakistan’s role in mediating between the U.S. and Iran while ensuring the safe transport of oil through one of the world’s most sensitive maritime routes.