US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran allowed ten oil tankers to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz as a gesture to show its seriousness in ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the Middle East conflict.

Trump described the tanker passage as a “present” from Tehran, referring to earlier remarks he made about a symbolic gift involving the movement of oil and gas through the key global energy route. He recounted that eight oil-laden vessels were initially allowed through, with Iran later adding two more to the total.

According to the president, the tankers appeared to be flagged under Pakistan, and their passage was reported in media outlets he had seen. He noted that the gesture seemed to confirm that the US was dealing with parties willing to engage in meaningful talks.

Marine tracking data from Kpler shows that six oil tankers and five gas carriers have moved through the Gulf since Monday, though it could not independently confirm the exact vessels Trump referred to. Some of these ships are under US sanctions related to Iran, and their destinations include China, Thailand, India, and Singapore. The remaining vessels’ routes could not be verified.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has been largely restricted during the conflict, which started nearly four weeks ago. Iran’s limited reopening of the waterway comes as US negotiators, including Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, continue to explore diplomatic solutions.

Trump did not provide further details about the “present” but indicated that he had consulted with Witkoff before speaking publicly, highlighting the ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations.

This development follows weeks of tension in the region, with energy markets already affected by disrupted shipping and rising oil prices, and comes amid broader international efforts to encourage Iran to engage in talks.