Trump Issues Final Ultimatum to Iran: 'Decapitation' if No Deal

U.S. President Trump issued a final ultimatum to Iran on Monday (3rd), warning Tehran that failing to seize the 'last chance' to reach a peace agreement with the United States could result in 'decapitation.' Trump claimed that both sides are still in contact, with the first phase focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, followed by negotiations on Iran's denuclearization—though Iran denies any direct talks with the U.S.

Due to Trump's decision to delay a new round of attacks on Iran and his push for a swift agreement to boost crude oil supply in the Persian Gulf, international oil prices plunged approximately 7% on Monday, hitting a three-week low.

Speaking from the Oval Office at the White House, Trump said the current negotiations were 'not complicated' and expected to progress faster than previous efforts. He claimed the Strait of Hormuz could be fully reopened 'as early as tomorrow,' calling this the first phase of the deal.

Once the strait's navigation issue is resolved, the two sides would move to the second phase, discussing Iran's denuclearization. Trump admitted this process might take time and reiterated that Iran must achieve complete denuclearization—though Iran has consistently maintained its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.

'This is their last chance to sign a good deal,' Trump said.

When asked how these talks differ from past attempts, he added that he wants to give Iran every possible 'last chance' before taking 'decapitation' action.

Trump did not clarify the exact meaning of 'decapitation' but revealed that the planned military operation has not been fully canceled and described it as 'very strong.'

He stated that executing the operation was not an easy decision and that the U.S. would assess the situation moving forward.

Last week, Trump had warned of a 'very猛烈' strike on Iran, potentially targeting energy infrastructure, but paused airstrikes over the weekend to pursue diplomacy. He claimed the planned offensive, if launched, would have been the 'largest attack since World War II.'

Trump said leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar had contacted Washington, urging the U.S. to give diplomacy another chance, prompting him to delay military action.

However, there is a clear contradiction between U.S. and Iranian accounts of the negotiation status.

Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that Tehran is not negotiating with Washington on reopening the Strait of Hormuz or ending the war. Instead, it is only discussing with Oman the establishment of a 'temporary shipping lane' to allow vessels to safely pass through the critical energy corridor.

Trump immediately lashed out at Iran's leadership on Truth Social, calling them 'incredibly two-faced.' He claimed Iran had initiated talks—almost 'begging' for negotiations—while publicly denying contact with the U.S.

Trump insisted that regardless of Iran's acknowledgment, both sides are seeking a solution. He warned that the U.S. would continue restricting the flow of goods into Iran until an agreement is reached or Iran 'fully surrenders.'

CBS News, citing sources, reported that no new 'direct' talks between the U.S. and Iran have been scheduled. Instead, both sides are only exchanging messages through intermediaries. Thus, Trump's reference to 'talks' may indicate indirect contact rather than formal face-to-face negotiations.

The U.S. and Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran on February 28, plunging Washington and Tehran into war. The two sides reached a ceasefire in June through a memorandum of understanding, hoping to use it as a foundation for broader peace talks. However, the ceasefire collapsed the following month when both sides resumed attacks.

Since then, Trump has repeatedly shifted between large-scale military threats and diplomatic negotiations. With Iran denying direct talks and major disagreements remaining over the Strait of Hormuz's control and nuclear programs, it remains uncertain whether this round of contact will lead to a ceasefire or a broader peace agreement.