President Donald Trump warned Monday that Iran is facing its “last chance” to reach an agreement with the United States, saying devastating military consequences could follow if Tehran refuses to make a deal.
Trump said he had temporarily called off a massive new round of American strikes against Iran to give diplomatic efforts one final opportunity to succeed.
The president said any agreement must begin with the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that has been disrupted during the months-long conflict. A second phase would require Iran to address U.S. demands concerning its nuclear program.
Trump made clear, however, that the pause in military action should not be mistaken for an open-ended ceasefire.
“This is their last chance,” Trump said, warning that Iran could face intensified strikes if negotiations fail.
The president has described the potential consequences as devastating and has threatened strikes aimed at crippling Iran’s military and political leadership. Trump said the United States remains prepared to use overwhelming force if Tehran refuses to comply.
The warning came after Trump announced over the weekend that he would hold off on planned attacks following appeals from Gulf allies seeking additional time for diplomacy. Trump said progress had been made toward a framework that could reopen the strait and reduce Iran’s nuclear threat.
Iranian officials, however, denied Trump’s claim that direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran were underway.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran was not currently negotiating with the United States and was instead holding discussions with Oman over a temporary shipping arrangement through the Strait of Hormuz.
The disagreement raised immediate questions about whether the two sides were moving toward an agreement or merely communicating indirectly through regional intermediaries.
Trump accused Iranian officials of sending conflicting messages and insisted that communication was continuing despite Tehran’s public denials. He said Iran must choose between reaching an agreement and facing another major American military operation.
Oman has emerged as a central intermediary in the standoff. Iranian officials have acknowledged discussing a temporary route that would allow commercial ships to pass through the strait, although disagreements remain over control of the shipping corridor and the conditions necessary for a broader reopening.
Iran has maintained that a lasting resolution will not be possible while U.S. military operations and economic pressure continue.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, and the prolonged disruption has added pressure to international oil markets and global supply chains. Traders have closely followed each announcement from Washington and Tehran for signs that the conflict could either ease or expand.
Trump has also criticized major oil companies over rising prices, accusing them of profiting from the conflict and urging them to lower costs for American consumers.
For now, the president’s decision has delayed another major escalation. It has not removed the threat.
Trump said the United States is prepared to resume military action if diplomacy fails, leaving Iran with what he described as one final opportunity to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, address its nuclear program and avoid devastating consequences.
