Trump Tells Iran This Is Last Chance Before Decapitation as Talks Continue
Trump Issues Final Warning to Iran
US President Donald Trump told reporters that talks with Iran are continuing despite Tehran's denials, describing this as their last opportunity before heads are chopped off or decapitation. [1] [3] Trump stated that this is their last chance to sign a good document and that he wants to give them every last opportunity before decapitation. [3] He claimed the talks are taking place even now and agreed to continue pursuing them at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries. [1] [3] When asked what would happen if no agreement is reached, Trump responded that he does not know but thinks maybe something will be achieved while giving every last opportunity before heads are chopped off. [1]
Focus on Strait of Hormuz and Denuclearisation
The talks focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump said could come literally by tomorrow, and the denuclearisation of Iran, which he said could take a little while. [3] Trump said he will not allow Iran to collect payments in the Strait of Hormuz and asserted that the United States has complete control of the strait through a naval blockade so that nothing gets through to Iran unless a deal or total surrender is accomplished. [1] [3] He pointed to the United States counter-blockade of Iranian ports and rejected Iran's insistence on retaining control and charging fees. [3] Negotiations center on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the denuclearisation of Iran, with the latter described as something that has to happen. [1] [3] Trump said Washington rejects any arrangement where Iran collects fees, adding that if anyone collects it will be the US. [1]
IDF Maintains High Alert
The IDF continues to maintain a high level of readiness for the possibility of an escalation with Iran. [1] A senior security official stated that coordination with the US military is continuing and is defined as close. [1] This readiness comes amid Trump's escalating threats toward Tehran. [1]
Iranian Assessment of US Strategy
Iranian sources assess that Trump's pattern of threats followed by retreats indicates a desire for negotiating leverage rather than war. [1] [3] According to reports relying on sources in Iran, Trump's series of threats and retreats after setting ultimatums in April, May and June that were not carried out strengthened the sense that the White House is primarily seeking to improve its position at the negotiating table rather than launch a broad campaign. [1] Assessments in Tehran suggest the Iranian regime is capable of absorbing military and economic pressure while raising the cost for the US through regional proxies such as the Houthis in Yemen and through an ongoing threat to international shipping until Washington concludes there is no military solution. [1] 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. [1]
Background on the Conflict
Washington and Tehran have been at war since 28 February when the United States and Israel launched surprise strikes against Iran. [3] More than five months later Iran remains able to fire missiles and drones at US and allied targets in the region and retains its enriched uranium stockpiles. [3] A previous ceasefire broke down last month and Iran has resumed blocking the waterway that it first imposed early in the war by obstructing vessels and firing on commercial ships. [3] Trump last week threatened to hit Iran very hard only to pull back on Saturday saying the perimeters of a deal were there. [3] Iran for its part said it is not currently negotiating with the United States and that its negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz. [3]
What to watch next is whether reopening of the Strait of Hormuz occurs quickly through an understanding with Oman or whether denuclearisation talks extend without resolution as pressure builds on the US side.
