'Sweetest' Oil: Trump Claims Huge Numbers Of Empty Tankers Heading To US For Crude Amid Fragile Truce With Iran

Washington: In another Truth Social post US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States have more oil than Russia and Saudi Arabia combined, and several empty oil tankers are now heading towards the US coast for crude.

“Massive numbers of completely empty oil tankers, some of the largest anywhere in the World, are heading, right now, to the United States to load up with the best and “sweetest” oil (and gas!) anywhere in the World. We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined - and higher quality. We are waiting for you. Quick turnaround! President DJT,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

As per Investopedia, the United States is the world's top producer of crude oil and petroleum liquids, which also include lease condensate, averaging just under 22 million barrels per day to account for 22% of the world’s production in 2023. Next in line, comes Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, and Canada, which rank among the top oil producing nations.

As per data from Worldometers, the United States produces 22,844,371 barrels per day of oil; Saudi Arabia produces 10,872,023 barrels per day of oil while Russia consumes 3,791,146 barrels per day, as of 2024.

Trump's claims come as the war in the Middle East has dragged on for weeks and has led to a temporary and fragile truce between US and Iran. 

Hormuz Blockade

Trump's claim come amid Iran struggling to remove the sea mines it had laid at the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping corridor through which nearly a fifth of global oil supply passes. Reports indicate that Tehran is unable to precisely track the location of several of these mines, complicating efforts to safely reopen the passage. 

Meanwhile, indirect diplomatic engagements between Islamabad and Washington are on , amid military posturing in the region. Reports suggest that discussions around de-escalation and safe passage are ongoing, but the mine issue has emerged as a key obstacle.

US officials have expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the mine placements, noting that even a single undetected device could trigger a major maritime incident. The uncertainty has also forced several shipping companies to reassess routes and safety protocols.

The Islamabad Talks

Trump’s remarks also come in the backdrop of US-Iran ceasefire efforts in Islamabad. However, despite the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance and Jared Kushner in Islamabad, the two are yet to engage in direct discussions with the Iranian side. 

Iranian media outlets have indicated that the negotiations are contingent upon Israel halting its military operations in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Trump through his social media downplayed Iran's diplomatic standing, arguing that Tehran’s only real leverage is its ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz- a critical maritime chokepoint that previously handled a fifth of the world’s oil supply.

ALSO READ: Iran Struggles to Locate Its Own Sea Mines in Strait of Hormuz, Delaying Route Reopening: Report