President Donald Trump announced that the United States has allowed the passage of three Chinese tankers carrying Iranian oil through the Strait of Hormuz, at the height of tensions in the Persian Gulf.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said that Chinese ships were able to pass through this strategic maritime corridor "because we allowed it," implying that Washington had direct control over movements in the area.
He added that the tankers had passed before his visit to China and meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but avoided any comment on the possibility of a tacit agreement between Washington and Beijing on the Iranian oil issue.
Meanwhile, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense. Iran has imposed restrictions on commercial shipping and is demanding fees for ships passing through this vital route for global energy trade.
On the other hand, the United States has taken blockade measures against Iranian ports, increasing fears of a new escalation of the crisis in the region.
According to Iranian state media, about 30 ships - including at least one Chinese tanker - have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since Wednesday evening. Tehran claims the passages were carried out "with Iran's permission", although there has been no independent confirmation of these claims.
