On Monday, August 3rd, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran were ongoing despite Tehran's denials. Speaking at the White House, Trump warned that Iran faced a "last chance before decapitation" and emphasized the importance of signing a "good document."

Trump said he agreed to continue talks with Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other countries. The discussions are primarily focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil corridor, which Trump suggested could happen "literally by tomorrow," and on the denuclearization of Iran, which he noted "could take a little while."

However, Iran's foreign ministry rejected claims of negotiations with the United States. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, "Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz," adding that they aim to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides that respects sovereign rights and safeguards national interests and security.

Washington and Tehran have been in conflict since February 28th, 2026, following surprise strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Despite this, intermittent diplomacy has led to periods of relative calm.

Over the weekend, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he had been asked by Iran and regional US partners to hold off on further strikes, which he claimed would have been "the biggest attack since World War II."

Sources