US President Donald Trump said at the White House on Monday, August 3, that US-Iran talks were underway despite Tehran’s denial, warning Iran faced its “last chance before decapitation.”
Trump said Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries had asked Washington to continue pursuing diplomacy. He did not identify the negotiators or disclose where the discussions were taking place.
The first phase would focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said. He suggested ships could regain access by Tuesday, August 4, while negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme could take longer.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected Trump’s account. He said Tehran was negotiating only with Oman over commercial passage through the strategic waterway, according to the Associated Press.
President Trump said talks with Iran were ongoing and backed by regional countries. Iranian officials denied the statement and said no foreign delegations will be hosted, with current discussions limited to Oman over the Strait of Hormuz https://t.co/1Di76cGEu2 pic.twitter.com/dDoVuHZ5fg
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 3, 2026Trump accused Iran of publicly denying discussions while taking part in efforts to reach an agreement. He also said Washington would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until Tehran reached a deal or surrendered.
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Hours after Trump’s remarks, a cargo vessel reported an attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, Oman.
The vessel broadcast that an unknown projectile had struck it at 10 p.m. UTC on Monday, or 3 a.m. PKT on Tuesday. Authorities were investigating and had not disclosed any casualties or damage, the UK Maritime Trade Operations said.
The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Tehran has since fired missiles and drones at US and allied targets across the Middle East.
