President Donald Trump said Iran allowed at least eight, and ultimately ten, oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a 'present' to demonstrate that its negotiators have real authority. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Trump described the move as a sign that the United States is engaging with Iranian counterparts capable of delivering tangible results amid ongoing backchannel discussions.

The gesture comes during heightened tensions following joint military strikes that killed several senior Iranian officials and fueled uncertainty about the country’s leadership. Iran’s new supreme leader has not appeared publicly, and analysts believe decision making may be fragmented among competing power centers, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

While Trump and his envoys point to positive signs in negotiations, Iranian officials have publicly denied direct talks, even as they acknowledge receiving proposals through intermediaries. The developments unfold as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for roughly one fifth of the world’s oil supply, has slowed sharply and the United States weighs potential further strikes if progress is not made.