Iran Tensions Rise as Trump Claims Last-Chance Talks Underway
Amid rising Iran tensions, US President Donald Trump stated that talks with Iran are ongoing and represent Tehran's "last chance" to reach a deal on the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear programme, while Iranian officials denied any negotiations are taking place. [1] [2] [3]
Trump Claims Ongoing Iran Talks
US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran were underway and described them as Tehran's "last chance" to reach an agreement to end the five-month-long war. [2] Trump told reporters during an event in the Oval Office that "They are going on right now." [2] He said the discussions were taking place at the request of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, among others. [2] Trump added that "This is a last chance for them (Iran) to sign a good document." [2] The US president insisted negotiations were underway despite Tehran's denials, saying Iran had a final opportunity to reach an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear programme before facing what he called "decapitation." [1] Trump warned that failure to agree would lead to what he called "decapitation" of Iran. [2] He said on Monday that Iran faced "decapitation" if it did not agree a pact to end the conflict between the two nations, saying Tehran had one last chance to strike a deal. [2] "I think we're going to maybe get something, but I want to give them every last chance before decapitation," he said. [2]
Iran Denies Any Negotiations
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday that there were no negotiations with the US and no meetings had been scheduled. [2] He added that Iran had no plans to host foreign delegations or send negotiators abroad in the coming days. [2] Baghaei also said all Iranian negotiators were currently in the country, except foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, who was on a religious pilgrimage in Iraq. [2] He said the only discussions currently underway were with Oman on the management of the Strait of Hormuz. [2] Tehran denies holding talks with Washington, saying it is speaking to Oman about the Strait of Hormuz. [3] Iranian officials rejected Trump's claims, confirming only talks with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz and the location of its negotiators. [2]
Trump Cancels Planned Strikes
Trump said on Saturday that the United States and Israel had agreed to pause any fresh strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the months-long conflict is reached quickly. [2] Trump said the US was "locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran", but added that "we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack". [2] "Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. [2] The five-month conflict has seen the US and Israel pause fresh strikes on Iran pending a potential rapid deal. [2] Trump said the US and Israel agreed to hold off attacks to allow time for a deal, including prior threats and the context of repeated pauses. [2] Concerns had been growing that the conflict could intensify again after Trump warned that the US could hit Iran "very hard" and reports suggested he was considering fresh large-scale strikes, including on energy infrastructure. [2]
Oil Prices React to Uncertainty
Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday after a sharp selloff in the previous session, as concerns over West Asian supply continued amid uncertainty over a diplomatic breakthrough in the US-Iran war, which has disrupted oil shipments. [2] Front-month Brent crude futures climbed $0.62, or 0.7%, to $84.39 a barrel as of 0055 GMT, recovering slightly after tumbling 7% on Monday to their lowest level in three weeks. [2] Oil prices rose slightly amid uncertainty over the US-Iran conflict, with Brent crude climbing 0.7% to $84.39 a barrel after a prior sharp drop. [2] The modest rise in Brent crude futures came amid disrupted shipments from the ongoing war and lack of diplomatic clarity. [2]
Maritime Incident Near Oman
An unknown projectile struck a cargo vessel near Oman, according to the UKMTO. [2] A cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday. [2] "UKMTO has received a report of an incident 20NM northeast of Al Khasab, Oman. A cargo vessel has broadcasted on VHF 16 that they have been hit by an unknown projectile. Authorities are investigating," it said. [2] The reported strike on a cargo vessel by an unknown projectile northeast of Al Khasab was monitored by UKMTO. [2]
Regional Military Posture
The IDF continues to maintain a high level of readiness for the possibility of an escalation with Iran, a senior security official told Walla on Monday. [5] According to the official, coordination with the US military is continuing and is defined as "close." [5] Against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump earlier on Monday escalated his threats toward Tehran while speaking to reporters, claiming that "this is their last opportunity to sign the agreement." [5] According to the US president, and contrary to messages heard throughout the day from the Islamic Republic, "the talks with Iran are taking place even now." [5] When the US president was asked, "What will happen if Iran collects payment in Hormuz?" he responded: "I will not let them collect anything. If anyone collects, it will be us. We have complete control of the strait. We have what is called a naval blockade through our navy, there will be no collection." [5] In response to the question, "What is your message to Americans who are wondering what has changed this time, after you called off a strike on Iran, at least for the fifth time since April, to allow negotiations?" Trump responded: "I don’t know. I think maybe we will achieve something, but I want to give them every last opportunity before heads are chopped off." [5] Assessments in Tehran suggest that the Iranian regime is capable of absorbing the military and economic pressure while also raising the cost for the US through its regional proxies, foremost among them the Houthis in Yemen, as well as through an ongoing threat to international shipping, until Washington concludes that there is no military solution to the crisis. [5] Sources in Iran told Walla that the current feeling in Tehran is that time is working in Iran’s favor, and that the longer the confrontation continues, the greater the pressure on the US will be to reach an agreement. [5] The IDF high alert status, continued US-Israel coordination, and Iranian assessments that time favors Tehran in the prolonged conflict were outlined amid the tensions. [5]
What to watch next: Further statements from Trump on whether a rapid deal emerges, updates from the UKMTO on the vessel incident investigation, and any shifts in Brent crude prices tied to diplomatic or military developments.
