Xinhua reported on March 30, citing remarks to the Financial Times, that Trump said Iran allowed 20 Pakistan-flagged oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The existing report also stated that Trump had said Iran previously allowed 10 tankers and suggested a deal could be reached soon. In a related development, Iranian parliament speaker Qalibaf denied on March 23 that there were any talks with the U.S., creating a direct discrepancy with the earlier reference to indirect talks progressing.