US President Donald Trump on Monday said discussions with Iran were focused on the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, expressing optimism that the strategic waterway could be reopened “by tomorrow”. He said the reopening would mark the first phase of negotiations, followed by talks aimed at the “denuclearisation” of Iran.

Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office after signing an Executive Order establishing the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission, Trump reiterated that the United States would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon and described the ongoing diplomatic efforts as Tehran’s “last chance” to reach an agreement.

Trump Outlines Two-Phase Negotiation Plan

Trump said the immediate priority in the ongoing discussions was restoring full access through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

“Well, we’ll find out today or tomorrow. I mean, they’re going to go quickly one way or the other. It’s not very complex. We’re talking about the Strait, the opening of the Strait, having it open, literally by tomorrow. Completely open. And that’s Phase 1,” he said.

According to Trump, the second stage of negotiations would focus on dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Phase 2 is we then will talk about the nuclear capacity… I think most accurately, the denuclearisation of Iran has to happen. Has to happen. That’ll be the second phase. But the first phase is the opening of the Strait, the second phase will be the denuclearisation, and that’ll take a little while. But we’re very strong on it. They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and I have never changed that position,” he said.

Trump Repeats ‘Last Chance’ Warning to Iran

During the interaction, Trump again described the ongoing talks as Iran’s final opportunity to reach an agreement with the United States.

“This is a last chance. This is not something that if it doesn’t happen, this is a last chance for them to sign a good document,” he said.

Trump claimed the negotiations were taking place at Iran’s request and had the backing of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and other countries.

“We are talking right now, we’re talking, and we’re talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, backed by UAE, and backed by Qatar in particular, but others also. Many countries called… they all wanted to give this a last chance,” he said.

He also accused Tehran of publicly denying negotiations despite engaging with American officials.

“It’s an amazing thing… we have many talks… they’ll sometimes deny it, even though they’ve spent hours and hours together talking. But the talks are going along,” Trump said.

Trump Says Planned Strike Was Deferred

The US President claimed Washington had been prepared to launch a major military strike against Iran before diplomatic appeals from regional countries prompted a pause.

“We were going to hit them very hard yesterday, very, very hard, harder than any attack… since World War II. We were set to go, and they called and, in addition, Saudi Arabia called, UAE called, Qatar called. I got calls from numerous people,” he said.

“Now, I don’t want to use the word begging, but some were in particular. Iran did not want to be hit. And they said we want to talk… more importantly, from my standpoint, we want to talk about the de-nuclearisation of Iran because that’s what it’s all about,” Trump added.

Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, Trump described Iran’s leadership as “unbelievably duplicitous”, accusing it of seeking negotiations while publicly denying that talks were taking place. He also reiterated that “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon” and claimed the United States maintained control over access through the Strait of Hormuz until an agreement or “total surrender” was achieved.

Iran Rejects Claims of Negotiations

Trump’s remarks came after Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed reports of direct or indirect negotiations with the United States, maintaining that Tehran was not engaged in bilateral talks with Washington.

Baghaei also said that Iran’s understanding with Oman on a new maritime traffic route through the Strait of Hormuz was a technical arrangement to improve vessel safety and did not indicate the reopening of the strategically important waterway.

Executive Order on Military Families

Separately, Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission, saying the initiative was designed to strengthen support for military families.

“Thank you for all being here as we take a major new step to support our incredible military families… Today, I’m signing an Executive Order to establish the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission,” he said.

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