JUST IN: Trump Gives Replace On Iran Negotiations, Describes Second ‘Gift’
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One Sunday night, President Donald Trump stated that Iran would allow 20 additional oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as a “tribute” to the United States. The announcement comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations with the Iranian regime, which could be met with further escalation if a deal is not reached.
Trump explained that the move builds upon an initial “gift” of 10 tankers as part of negotiations earlier this week. Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane at the base of the Persian Gulf that accounted for roughly one-third of global oil exports prior to the conflict’s beginning on February 28.
Since then, traffic in the strait has declined by upwards of 90 percent, a development that has caused anxiety for the world’s oil markets.
“We also are dealing directly and as you know, they’ve agreed to send eight boats two days ago. And then they added another two. So it was ten boats and now today gave us a tribute,” the president told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I can’t define exactly, but they gave us I think out of sign of respect, 20 boats of oil. Big, big boats going through the Hormuz Strait. And that’s taking place starting tomorrow morning,” he added.
Iran’s decision to ease passage for select tankers has been characterized in U.S. statements as a step toward de-escalation, though Iranian officials and analysts have claimed the transits are simply routine bilateral arrangements with Pakistan and other Asian partners.
Trump answered a number of additional questions on the conflict and the administration’s policy surrounding it during the same press gaggle.
When asked about Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s views on the country, he said she was “a little bit softer on that issue” than he was but expressed full confidence in her ability to serve, stating, “that doesn’t make somebody not available to serve.”
On the possibility of U.S. ground operations in Iran and whether congressional approval would be required, Trump issued a cryptic response. “I just have lots of alternates. Just like we’re ahead of schedule on the White House ballroom, we’re ahead of schedule with Iran,” he said.
“We have tremendous numbers of ships over there. We don’t need them all because of, you know, the power. We’re weeks ahead of schedule”
The latest updates came amid a measured buildup of forces in the region in support of potential operations. Recent deployments have included elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and Marine units aboard amphibious ships such as the USS Tripoli, which enhance the possibility of supporting ground operations in Iran.
The Washington Post on Sunday reported that the Pentagon is actively planning for the possibility of a ground operation that could last for several weeks.