Trump Gives Iran ‘Last Chance Before Decapitation’ as Strait of Hormuz Deadline Looms

President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, describing ongoing discussions as the country’s “last chance before decapitation” while claiming negotiations are underway to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he had called off a planned large-scale military strike over the weekend to give Tehran another opportunity to reach an agreement. “This is a last chance,” he said. “This is the last chance for them to sign a good document.” He added: “I want to give them every last chance before decapitation.” Trump said the first phase of talks would focus on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, which he said could happen “literally by tomorrow.” He then outlined a second phase addressing Iran’s nuclear program. “The second phase is we then will talk about the nuclear capacity,” Trump said. The president claimed Iran had requested renewed negotiations, with support from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. “We are talking right now,” Trump said. “We’re talking, and we’re talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, backed by UAE, and backed by Qatar in particular.” However, Iran has flatly denied any direct negotiations with Washington. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated: “We are not negotiating with the United States at this time. Our negotiations are with Oman and are focused on reaching an understanding on a route that will ensure the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.” Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities continue in the Gulf region. A cargo ship reported being “hit by an unknown projectile” early Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center. The ship suffered damage, British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed. Separately, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, fired a drone at an airport in the southwestern Saudi city of Najran, targeting what they described as a “sensitive target.” The Houthis recently announced a blockade on Saudi-linked shipping passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Tuesday that mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing. Spokesman Majed al-Ansari said, “We’re looking into a diplomatic solution,” without elaborating. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that a deal to reopen the Strait could be reached “today or tomorrow,” adding that it would stabilize energy prices. Oil prices have already tumbled more than 5% amid hopes of a breakthrough, with Brent crude falling below $80 a barrel. Trump has issued at least a dozen ultimatums or deadlines to Iran since the conflict began on February 28, repeatedly delaying or reversing planned military action. Asked why Iran might respond differently this time, Trump said he wanted to avoid a major military assault. “It’s very tough to do what we have planned, still planned. We’ll see what happens, but it’s very very tough thing to do,” he said, referring to potential “decapitation” strikes targeting Iran’s leadership. “I think I’m very proud of the fact that I will give people a chance. This is a big move to do an attack that big on a country I’d rather not do,” he added. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut to most maritime traffic, and the U.S. maintains a blockade on Iranian shipping. Iran is pushing for greater control over inbound vessels entering the Persian Gulf under a temporary arrangement being negotiated with Oman, according to a senior Iranian source cited by Reuters. Tehran has rejected an Omani proposal for shared management of the shipping lanes. The developments come as the U.S. and Iran remain locked in a five-month-old war that has devastated Iran’s air force and navy while straining American munitions stockpiles ahead of the November midterm elections. Trump has said the outcome of the current talks will become clear quickly. “You’ll find out today or tomorrow,” he said. “They’re going to go quickly, one way or the other. It’s not very complex.”