President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that Iran allowed ten oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, framing the movement as a significant gesture in ongoing backchannel negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Trump described the tankers as a 'present' from Iran, stating, 'They said to show you the fact that we’re real and solid and we’re there — we’re going to let you have eight boats of oil,' later clarifying the number reached ten.
Uncertainty Over Iranian Leadership
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil choke point, has seen drastically reduced shipping since the U.S. offensive began on February 28th. The situation is further complicated by uncertainty surrounding Iran's leadership. Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader, has not been seen publicly since taking over after his father's death. U.S. intelligence suggests he is alive but faces fragmented decision-making across competing power centers, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Conflicting Signals in Diplomacy
While Trump and U.S. officials point to ongoing discussions with Iranian counterparts, Tehran has publicly denied any negotiations are taking place. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged receiving a 15-point proposal from the U.S. through Pakistani mediators but reiterated that Iran is not negotiating directly with Washington. Analysts suggest Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a hardline figure with ties to the Revolutionary Guard, may be a key interlocutor in behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
'I said, well, I guess we’re dealing with the right people,' Trump remarked during a Cabinet meeting, signaling optimism about the tanker movements.
Despite these developments, tensions remain high. Trump earlier issued a five-day deadline for Iran to show progress toward mediation, threatening strikes on energy infrastructure if cooperation falters. The White House has not confirmed whether further military action is imminent, underscoring the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations.