Trump's Peace Talk Claims Fail to Boost Tanker Traffic

Tanker traffic in key Middle Eastern waterways remains subdued despite President Donald Trump's claims of renewed interest in peace talks with Iran.

Kpler data cited by Reuters shows that only three tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, down from seven on Sunday. In contrast, 12 tankers passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, although most had their transponders on, indicating they were not attempting to cross undetected.

The subdued tanker traffic may be a sign that traders are skeptical about the chances of peace talks succeeding. According to Reuters, President Trump's claims of renewed interest in peace talks pressured oil prices at the end of last week and into this week, but prices have since reversed direction as doubts about the veracity of these claims grew.

The U.S. Central Command has reportedly been looking for new ways to pressure Iran, with a CENTCOM officer stating 'We are looking for new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran.' This suggests that the military is not necessarily preparing for peace.