WANA (Mar 26) – Donald Trump, the President of the United States, made controversial remarks claiming that Iran had given a “gift” to the U.S.—a claim that quickly shifted through multiple versions and sparked widespread skepticism and ridicule.

 

Trump initially stated that Iran had allowed 8 oil tankers to be handed over to the United States, later increasing the number to 10. He further claimed that Iran had apologized over an unspecified matter and decided to add two more vessels. However, hours later, he offered a different explanation, saying that by “gift” he meant the passage of 10 oil tankers flying the Pakistani flag through the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Further undermining Trump’s claim, maritime tracking data has challenged his account of the alleged “gift.” A vessel-tracking firm reported that the passage of oil tankers flying the Pakistani flag through the Strait of Hormuz was not a new or exceptional development, but rather an event that had already occurred prior to his remarks. This directly contradicts Trump’s attempt to frame the incident as a recent concession by Iran.

 

According to tracking data cited by shipping intelligence platforms, the first known transit of a non-Iranian tanker with an active identification system through the strait had already taken place earlier in March. The vessel, identified as a Pakistani-flagged tanker, had successfully crossed the strategic waterway under ordinary tracking conditions, suggesting that Trump’s narrative repackaged a previously known maritime movement as a political gesture.

 

These repeated changes in his narrative have intensified criticism regarding the credibility of his statements. Analysts have pointed to his track record of making controversial claims, describing the remarks as inconsistent and lacking reliability.

 

Meanwhile, The Independent reported that the conflict has reached a point where Iranian officials and public opinion are openly mocking Trump’s statements. According to the report, while Trump insists that Iran is “strongly seeking peace,” Iranian officials dismiss such claims as unrealistic, suggesting that he is effectively negotiating with himself.

 

At the same time, The Telegraph reported that after Iran rejected what it described as a “maximalist peace proposal” from the U.S., the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps wrote a symbolic message on a missile addressed to Trump: “Open your arms and receive our gift.”

 

Observers have interpreted this move as a direct and symbolic response to Trump’s claims, reflecting Tehran’s confrontational stance toward Washington’s political and military pressure.