Trump says US ‘allowed’ Chinese tankers carrying Iranian oil to leave Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump defended his administration’s handling of Iranian oil shipments during a recent television interview.

He argued that the United States made a calculated decision to allow some Chinese-linked tankers carrying Iranian oil to move through strategic waterways in order to avoid broader economic disruption and maintain leverage in ongoing negotiations.

Trump frames oil decision as strategic flexibility

Speaking during an interview aired Friday on Fox News’ ‘Special Report,’ Trump addressed questions surrounding Chinese access to Iranian oil supplies and the movement of tankers in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Host Bret Baier said, “China got three tankers out this week, filled with Iranian oil.”

Trump responded, “Because we allowed that to happen.”

According to Trump, the administration “allowed” certain tankers to get out because officials were balancing national security concerns with the realities of global energy markets.

Baier then asked, “You did?”

Trump answered, “We allowed that to happen.”

According to Trump, the decision was made even before he visited China and negotiations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The US president stated that the tankers were able to pass through the waterway "because we allowed it to happen."

Iran had previously effectively restricted normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that vessels must pay a transit fee. In response, the US tightened the blockade of Iranian ports amid the conflict over shipping and oil exports.

White House stresses pressure campaign still intact

Trump’s comments come amid heightened tensions involving Iran, global shipping routes, and US military operations connected to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported that about 30 vessels, including at least one Chinese tanker, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since Wednesday evening. According to Tehran, the movement took place "with Iran's permission."

Trump's statements came after his return from China, where one of the key topics of negotiations with Xi Jinping was the situation surrounding Iran and the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil exports passes.

And there have been recent reports of US attempts to track and intercept vessels tied to Iranian oil shipments as part of a broader pressure campaign against Tehran.

At the same time, the administration has tried to reassure markets and allies that it does not intend a long-term disruption of global energy supply. Trump has repeatedly said his approach is a mix of strength and economic pragmatism, particularly on China and Middle Eastern energy issues.