Trump calls new Iran talks a 'last chance' as US says a Hormuz deal is close; Tehran denies direct negotiations
US President Donald Trump said on August 3 that new diplomatic talks with Iran are the 'last chance' for Tehran to reach a deal before US strikes resume, naming Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar as mediators; US negotiators simultaneously said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is close as Iran and Oman held what Oman described as 'positive' talks; Iran's foreign ministry denied any direct negotiations with Washington
أضف إلى قائمة
لا قوائم بعد.
Summary
Donald Trump said on August 3 that new talks with Iran are Tehran's "last chance" to sign a deal before US strikes resume, naming Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as the Gulf intermediaries pressing Iran toward agreement. Iran's foreign ministry denied any direct negotiations with Washington are taking place. Through Oman as a channel, Iran and Oman's foreign ministers met in Muscat; by Monday evening, US negotiators told Al Jazeera English a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was close, with Iran reportedly seeking temporary arrangements lasting up to three months. The gap between the US framing of active talks and Tehran's denials is itself part of the pattern of this five-month Iran US War 2026.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments. Any deal, even a temporary one, would ease immediate shipping costs and insurance premiums that have spiked since the closure; a breakdown would likely trigger fresh US strikes and further oil price volatility.
What to watch
- Whether Iran's Oman-mediated proposal for a temporary shipping arrangement wins US acceptance or is dismissed as stalling.
- Saudi, UAE and Qatari public statements: Gulf states acting as mediators have unusual leverage on both sides.
- The next Iran International Atomic Energy Agency inspection window as a possible trigger or off-ramp.