Trump warns Iran facing ‘last chance before decapitation’

International Desk : US President Donald Trump said on Monday that negotiations with Iran were continuing despite Tehran’s denials, warning that the Islamic Republic faced its “last chance” to reach an agreement before what he described as possible military escalation.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had agreed to continue diplomatic efforts at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other regional partners.

Although Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place, Trump insisted talks were ongoing.

“We are talking right now,” he said, adding that Iran had “a last chance” to sign what he called a “good document.”

According to Trump, the discussions are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme. He said progress on restoring shipping through the strategic waterway could come quickly, while resolving the nuclear issue would likely take longer.

The United States and Iran have remained in conflict since late February, when US and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran. Despite intermittent diplomatic efforts, tensions have persisted, with Iran retaining the capability to launch missiles and drones and maintaining its stockpile of enriched uranium.

Early Tuesday, Britain’s maritime security agency, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), reported that a cargo vessel had been struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. Authorities are investigating the incident, and no details on damage or casualties were immediately released.

Last week, Trump threatened renewed military action against Iran before later suggesting that the outlines of a possible agreement were emerging.

Iran, however, maintains that it is not negotiating with the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran’s current discussions are with Oman regarding safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, not with Washington.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of contention during the conflict. Iran has imposed restrictions on maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, while the United States has rejected Tehran’s demands over shipping arrangements.

Trump accused Iran of sending mixed signals by publicly denying negotiations while, according to him, discussions continued behind the scenes. He also reiterated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remained a key US objective.

Western countries have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, an allegation Tehran has consistently denied, insisting its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful civilian purposes.