U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that negotiations with Iran are currently underway, despite Tehran’s earlier denial, describing them as the Iranian leadership’s “last chance” to reach an agreement.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “The talks are taking place right now, and this is their last opportunity to sign a good agreement.” He claimed the negotiations were initiated at Iran’s request and are being supported by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
According to Trump, the discussions are focused primarily on the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which he said could happen “as early as tomorrow.”
Earlier in the day, Iran denied holding any negotiations with the United States after Trump announced that talks would resume on Monday. The denial came after Trump warned that the Islamic Republic faced a choice between reaching an agreement or surrendering.
The conflict in the Middle East continues with no clear prospect of resolution more than six months after the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran began on February 28.
Following a ceasefire and the signing of a memorandum of understanding intended to pave the way for a permanent agreement, hostilities between Tehran and Washington resumed in July, amid renewed threats of escalation.
On Saturday, Trump said he had canceled plans for large-scale strikes against Iran at Tehran’s request to allow diplomacy a chance, while insisting that any agreement must include the immediate and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the elimination of Iran’s nuclear threat.
On Sunday, Trump told reporters that “what we’re doing now is talking to them as part of negotiations,” adding that discussions would begin Monday afternoon, without providing further details.
Iran quickly rejected that claim during the Foreign Ministry’s weekly press briefing. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, “We are not currently engaged in negotiations with the United States. Our discussions are with Oman to secure a transit route through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, accusing Iranian leaders of being “incredibly deceptive.” He wrote that they request meetings and plan future discussions but then publicly deny that any talks are taking place.
He also asserted that the U.S. Navy has full control of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that “nothing is reaching Iran, and nothing will reach Iran until there is either an agreement or complete surrender,” referring to the restrictions imposed on Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central point of contention between Iran and the United States because of its critical importance to global energy supplies and international shipping.
Throughout the conflict, Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with military action while simultaneously seeking a diplomatic exit from a war that has proven unpopular domestically and has contributed to higher oil prices and increased pressure on the global economy.
Oil Prices Fall
The conflict has disrupted the global economy, with Iran responding to military strikes by closing the Strait of Hormuz and targeting countries across the region.
Iran has maintained effective control over navigation through the strait, requiring vessels to coordinate transit with Iranian authorities and use a route along its northern coastline while rejecting an alternative route proposed by Oman along the southern side.
Tehran has insisted that shipping through the waterway will not return to previous arrangements and has announced plans to impose “service fees” on vessels using the strait.
The United States and several regional countries, including Gulf states, have rejected those restrictions and continue to support freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.
Baghaei said on Sunday that Tehran and Muscat are working toward an arrangement that would establish “a mutually acceptable route” that respects the sovereignty and national interests of both sides.
Optimism over a potential diplomatic breakthrough contributed to a decline in oil prices on Monday. At 1825 GMT, Brent crude for September delivery fell 4.8% to $83.70 per barrel.
Calls for Dialogue
Since the conflict began, Trump has repeatedly threatened to bomb Iran or target its civilian infrastructure before later stepping back from such plans.
He continues to seek a diplomatic solution, insisting that a rapid agreement with Tehran—particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz—is necessary to suspend further military strikes.
U.S. media reported that Washington had been considering large-scale attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure over the weekend.
CBS News reported that the United States and Israel had planned to target oil refineries and power stations in what would have been their first joint strike in two months.
Although the conflict began with a joint U.S.-Israeli offensive, Israel has not launched strikes against Iran since Tehran and Washington agreed to a ceasefire in April and signed a memorandum of understanding in June. Israel also refrained from attacking after hostilities between the United States and Iran resumed.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to prioritize dialogue in order to reduce tensions in the region.
The conflict has also expanded into the Red Sea, where Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a maritime blockade on Saudi ports and later claimed responsibility for attacks on oil tankers and energy facilities in the Kingdom.
