President Donald Trump says Iran allowed 10 oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz amid peace talks
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 27, 2026, 20:00 IST
"We're not finished yet": Trump on Iran strikes, says oil companies should use Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump said Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture during ongoing negotiations with the United States. The move is being seen as a potential sign of progress toward a diplomatic agreement amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel.
Despite cautious optimism, tensions remain high, with thousands of troops deployed and continued fighting across the region. U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff, say there are encouraging signs of a deal, though Iran has pushed back on key proposals.
Despite cautious optimism, tensions remain high, with thousands of troops deployed and continued fighting across the region. U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff, say there are encouraging signs of a deal, though Iran has pushed back on key proposals.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iranian officials allowed ten large oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as a sign of good faith during ongoing backchannel negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Speaking at his first Cabinet meeting since the outbreak of the war, Trump said Iranian negotiators permitted the vessels to pass as talks continue on a potential deal to reduce tensions. The president said the decision showed that “we’re dealing with the right people,” while cautioning that further military action remains possible if no agreement is reached.
Trump said he sees potential for a breakthrough in negotiations, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told Cabinet members there are “strong signs” that an agreement is possible. Witkoff confirmed that Pakistan recently delivered the U.S. government’s 15-point framework to Iranian officials, although Iranian leaders publicly described the proposal as “excessive.”
Pakistan’s deputy prime minister said regional mediation efforts also involve Turkey and Egypt. These countries are reportedly supporting efforts to bring both sides to a diplomatic resolution.
The negotiations come nearly a month after the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran. The fighting has killed thousands across Iran and Lebanon, and dozens more in other Middle Eastern countries, including Israel. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been killed.
The conflict has disrupted oil transport in the region, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Iran’s actions have restricted movement through the strait, pushing global fuel prices higher.
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, the U.S. military has increased its presence in the Middle East. Thousands of American troops, including elite paratroopers, Marines, and an amphibious assault ship, have been deployed to support regional operations.
While Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of a deal, he also warned that military escalation remains on the table if Iran refuses to reach an agreement.
President Donald Trump said Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture during ongoing negotiations with the United States. The move is being seen as a potential sign of progress toward a diplomatic agreement amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel.
Despite cautious optimism, tensions remain high, with thousands of troops deployed and continued fighting across the region. U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff, say there are encouraging signs of a deal, though Iran has pushed back on key proposals.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to signal openness to negotiations while preparing for further military developments if talks fail.
Speaking at his first Cabinet meeting since the outbreak of the war, Trump said Iranian negotiators permitted the vessels to pass as talks continue on a potential deal to reduce tensions. The president said the decision showed that “we’re dealing with the right people,” while cautioning that further military action remains possible if no agreement is reached.
Signs of progress in negotiations
Trump said he sees potential for a breakthrough in negotiations, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told Cabinet members there are “strong signs” that an agreement is possible. Witkoff confirmed that Pakistan recently delivered the U.S. government’s 15-point framework to Iranian officials, although Iranian leaders publicly described the proposal as “excessive.”
Pakistan’s deputy prime minister said regional mediation efforts also involve Turkey and Egypt. These countries are reportedly supporting efforts to bring both sides to a diplomatic resolution.
Conflict continues as talks proceed
The negotiations come nearly a month after the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran. The fighting has killed thousands across Iran and Lebanon, and dozens more in other Middle Eastern countries, including Israel. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been killed.
The conflict has disrupted oil transport in the region, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Iran’s actions have restricted movement through the strait, pushing global fuel prices higher.
Military presence grows in the region
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, the U.S. military has increased its presence in the Middle East. Thousands of American troops, including elite paratroopers, Marines, and an amphibious assault ship, have been deployed to support regional operations.
While Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of a deal, he also warned that military escalation remains on the table if Iran refuses to reach an agreement.
President Donald Trump said Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture during ongoing negotiations with the United States. The move is being seen as a potential sign of progress toward a diplomatic agreement amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel.
Despite cautious optimism, tensions remain high, with thousands of troops deployed and continued fighting across the region. U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff, say there are encouraging signs of a deal, though Iran has pushed back on key proposals.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to signal openness to negotiations while preparing for further military developments if talks fail.