U.S. President Donald Trump says more than 100 million barrels of oil have transited the Strait of Hormuz, alongside more than 200 commercial ships, as part of what he calls a U.S. “secret mission” to support safe passage for tankers and other vessels. Trump makes the claim in social media posts, including a Truth Social post describing a mission he says he directed the military to carry out last month. Multiple outlets report that Trump links the operation to improving conditions for shipping and helping tankers bypass disruptions associated with the conflict and Iran’s blockade of access to the waterway. Reports also note that countries including South Korea have closely monitored the situation, with some vessels reportedly trapped in the area during the wider regional standoff.
Other coverage raises questions about the scale and secrecy of the operation, noting that data on shipping movements appears to show increased transits in the period, while officials and observers have sought clarity on Trump’s specific figures and characterization. Overall, the reports converge on Trump’s stated totals—oil barrels and ship count—while highlighting that the verification and interpretation of the operation remain disputed.
