Donald Trump said 19 million barrels of oil [1] passed through the Strait of Hormuz on May 22, 2026, marking the highest volume in the waterway's history.
The claim links energy market stability to geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran. By highlighting record oil flows, the former president suggests that oil prices are falling despite regional volatility.
Trump said the volume recorded on May 22 was the largest ever seen in the history of the strait [1], which is the critical waterway located between Oman and Iran.
Beyond energy markets, Trump discussed the status of Iran's nuclear program. He said that inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of Iran's damaged nuclear facilities will be carried out at an appropriate time.
Responding to assertions regarding these inspections, Trump said, "They are wrong. They told us so, and they are guaranteeing 100% inspections."
The former president also connected the potential release of Iran's frozen assets to trade. He said that if Iran were to receive funds from the release of frozen assets, the money would be used to purchase U.S. agricultural products, and medical supplies.
This strategy suggests a framework where financial relief for Iran is tied directly to the purchase of American exports, potentially linking economic incentives to diplomatic compliance.
“19 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz... the largest in the strait's history.”
This rhetoric signals a dual-track approach to Iran: leveraging energy market data to project economic strength while using frozen assets as a bargaining chip for U.S. trade interests. By insisting on IAEA inspections at an 'appropriate time,' Trump maintains pressure on Iran's nuclear capabilities while keeping the door open for a transactional diplomatic resolution.
