- US President Donald Trump said on Monday that there are discussions over "completely" reopening the Strait of Hormuz "by tomorrow" as part of the first phase of ongoing discussions with Iran.
- Trump said the next stage of negotiations would focus on "denuclearisation" of Iran, adding that "the denuclearisation of Iran has to happen" and that Tehran would never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.
- Trump said Iran had been given what he described as a "last chance" to reach an agreement, claiming the United States had paused a planned military strike after requests from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Iran.
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected reports of direct or indirect negotiations with the US and said the Iran-Oman maritime traffic route understanding was a technical arrangement, not a reopening of the strategically important waterway.
- Since U.S. and Israel strikes began on February 28, Trump has repeatedly threatened escalation only to edge away; he said he was showing patience and wanted to give Iran "every last chance before decapitation."
- Past examples include an early April two-week ceasefire, a May 18 hold on a planned strike, and a June threat to hit Iran "VERY HARD" and seize Kharg Island before the strikes were called off.
President Trump stated that discussions are underway to reopen the Strait of Hormuz "by tomorrow" as part of a two-phase negotiation process with Iran.1
"Phase 1" involves the reopening of the strategically vital waterway, while "Phase 2" will focus on the denuclearization of Iran.
Trump described the current negotiations as a "last chance" for Iran, claiming that the U.S. had paused military action at the request of regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He emphasized that Tehran's leadership is "unbelievably duplicitous" for denying talks while engaging in discussions with U.S. officials.3
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected claims of negotiations, asserting that discussions with Oman were merely technical arrangements for maritime safety. Trump, however, insisted that the U.S. maintains control over the Strait until a satisfactory agreement is reached.4
The President's remarks come amid rising tensions and a backdrop of military threats, with Trump previously indicating a willingness to escalate military action against Iran.
Polling indicates that a significant majority of U.S. adults believe the war with Iran has not been worthwhile, reflecting growing public discontent with ongoing military engagements.
“This is a last chance. This is not something that if it doesn't happen, this is a last chance for them to sign a good document,” Trump stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
“Baghaei said the Iran-Oman maritime traffic route understanding was a technical arrangement, not a reopening of the waterway. Trump claimed he paused a plan for 'the biggest attack since World War II' after Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar urged restraint.”
