U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it faces a “last chance before decapitation” if it fails to reach an agreement with Washington.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said backchannel negotiations between the two countries are ongoing despite repeated denials from Iranian officials.
The U.S. leader disclosed that he agreed to extend diplomatic efforts after appeals from regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
According to Trump, the discussions are focused on ending the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and achieving the long-term denuclearization of Iran.
Trump also claimed the United States would maintain its counter-blockade of Iranian ports until an agreement is reached or Iran surrenders completely.
However, Iran rejected the claim of direct negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei insisted Tehran is only engaging through Omani mediators to discuss a shared transit route in the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict intensified on February 28 after joint U.S. and Israeli precision strikes. Since then, Iran has maintained blockades along key coastal routes, disrupting maritime trade in the Persian Gulf.
Tensions rose further on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a commercial cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile near the coast of Oman.
Iranian officials said discussions with Oman on joint channel management are making progress but stressed that any agreement would not automatically reopen the strategic waterway.
With Gulf nations urging restraint, global attention remains on whether diplomacy can prevent a return to military confrontation.
