Trump Highlights ‘Gifts’ from Iran
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday, President Donald Trump mentioned that Iran sent at least eight oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz this week. He referred to this as a “gift” to the United States, claiming it was a demonstration of Iran’s negotiating capabilities.
Trump had teased a significant gesture from Iran a day earlier but had not gone into specifics. At the meeting, he stated, “They said, to show the fact that we’re real and solid and we’re out there, we’re going to have eight oil ships,” later noting that the number of tankers increased to ten. “I said, well, I think we’re dealing with the right people.”
He interpreted the movement of these tankers as confirmation that U.S. negotiators are in touch with their Iranian counterparts, which could lead to meaningful results.
However, uncertainty persists regarding Iran’s leadership. This follows a recent joint U.S.-Israeli attack that resulted in the deaths of numerous senior Iranian officials. The newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has kept a low profile, with only written messages being released. U.S. intelligence believes he is alive, but his status and authority remain unclear.
Analysts point out that Iran’s decision-making might now be complicated by multiple power factions, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Trump has reiterated that the recent tanker movements suggest U.S. negotiators are engaging with reliable Iranian representatives. “They said show us we’re real and solid and we’re out there. We’re going to have eight oil ships,” he remarked before updating the count to ten. “I said, well, I think we have the right people.”
In light of the ongoing uncertainty, some reports have posited Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential negotiator for secret discussions. Known as a hardliner with connections to the Revolutionary Guards, he could be seen as a feasible interlocutor from the Iranian side.
Nevertheless, Ghalibaf and other Iranian officials have denied any talks with the U.S., and it remains unclear who, if anyone, Washington should engage with.
There appears to be a disconnect in messaging; while U.S. officials, including Trump, claim negotiations are taking place, Iranian leaders contradict this by denying negotiations. Yet, they have acknowledged receiving communications from the U.S. through intermediaries, suggesting a gap between public stances and private discussions.
This mixed messaging complicates the efforts of U.S. negotiators, who are trying to find someone capable of representing Tehran and potentially reaching an agreement.
Since the military offensive that began on February 28, the transport of around 20% of the world’s oil through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed significantly.
Despite rising tensions following military actions and incidents related to the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. is still pursuing back-channel negotiations with Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated on Wednesday that Tehran is considering a 15-point proposal from the U.S. relayed through Pakistani intermediaries, while still asserting they are not directly negotiating with Washington.
Recently, President Trump placed a five-day ultimatum on Iran to either engage earnestly in negotiations or face aggressive actions on its energy infrastructure. On Thursday, he offered no comment on whether he would opt for military strikes.
White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about presenting a 15-point plan to Pakistan’s government, mentioning “positive signs.” He remarked that this moment could be a turning point for Iran, with no better alternative than seeking peace instead of further conflict.
