Trump says Iran talks are last chance to avert fresh US strikes

Washington,UPDATED: Aug 4, 2026 00:02 IST

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that planned talks with Tehran were Iran’s “last chance” to reach a deal and avoid an escalation of American strikes. Speaking in the Oval Office, he said negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and creating a path for Iran to address US concerns over its nuclear programme could begin in the next day or two.

Trump also said he had held back from ordering fresh large-scale strikes against Iran despite a plan being in place for a major attack. He said he decided to give diplomacy more time after appeals from Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as requests from unnamed Iranian officials.

Describing the proposed talks, Trump said, “The first phase is the opening of the straits. The second phase will be the denuclearisation.” He added that this “will take a little while”.

Even as Trump highlighted the damage caused by US military action to layers of Tehran’s leadership and to Iran’s air force and navy, Iran is betting it can outlast him as he faces reduced munitions stockpiles and the challenge of pursuing a war that is unpopular with the American electorate ahead of November’s midterm election.

Trump said a plan had been prepared for US forces to launch “the biggest attack since World War II” on Sunday, but he dropped it after hearing from key Gulf leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Earlier in the day, Trump had cast doubt on the chances of talks after Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Tehran was not currently holding negotiations with the United States. Reacting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!” In all, Trump said negotiations could begin soon, but also made clear that he sees them as Iran’s final opportunity to avoid further escalation.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends