West Asia LIVE: Trump says new talks 'last chance' for Iran to forge deal, avoid escalation of U.S. strikes

Lead

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that negotiations with Iran were ongoing despite Tehran's denials, adding that the Islamic Republic was facing a "last chance before decapitation." Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he agreed to continue pursuing talks at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other countries. He expected negotiations to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing US concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

Iran's Foreign Ministry, however, denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place. "We are talking right now," Trump insisted, according to multiple reports. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, "Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz."

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the dispute varied across outlets, with some emphasizing Trump's ultimatum and others highlighting Iran's dismissal of his claims. Al Jazeera quoted Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accusing Trump of "theatre diplomacy on loop," while Deutsche Welle noted the disagreement over the diplomatic channel. France 24 and The Hindu both reported Trump's "last chance before decapitation" remark and the focus on the Strait of Hormuz, with The Hindu adding details about a planned "biggest attack since World War II" that was scrapped.

Deutsche Welle's analysis suggested the two sides may be describing the same diplomatic channel in different terms, with Washington framing Omani mediation as negotiations with Iran, and Tehran calling it a technical discussion with Oman about shipping.

Key Claims

• Trump said negotiations with Iran were ongoing and Iran faced a "last chance before decapitation," as reported by multiple sources including France 24 and The Hindu.
• Iran's Foreign Ministry denied negotiations with Washington, stating its talks were with Oman, according to Deutsche Welle and The Hindu.
• The talks are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's denuclearization, as reported by France 24 and The Hindu.
• Iran has been holding talks with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a claim carried by Al Jazeera and confirmed by Iran's Foreign Ministry.
• The Strait of Hormuz remains a major sticking point in efforts to end the war, according to Deutsche Welle, which noted only six commercial vessels crossed on Monday.

Perspectives

Trump Administration: President Trump insists negotiations are ongoing, calling it a "last chance" for Iran to avoid escalation. He says the talks, facilitated by Gulf allies, aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear program, with threats of a major attack if diplomacy fails.

Iranian Government: Iran denies negotiating with Washington, saying its discussions are with Oman. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed Trump's approach as "theatre diplomacy on loop," accusing the US of using bullying and broken promises as a failed pressure tactic.