US-Iran Talks Continue, Trump Calls It Tehran’s “Last Chance,” Hormuz Reopening Possible by Wednesday

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — US President Donald Trump said on Monday that talks with Iran are ongoing “right now,” describing them as Tehran’s last chance to reach an agreement. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he said, “This is their last chance to sign a good document.” Iran, however, denied any direct talks with Washington, saying it was instead negotiating with Oman to establish a “single two-way route” in the Strait of Hormuz, replacing the separate shipping lanes currently in use.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached by Wednesday, which would help stabilize energy prices. In a separate statement, Trump vowed that the US would not allow Iran to impose transit fees on ships using the waterway, stressing that Washington has “complete control” over the matter.
Iranian officials have issued fresh warnings over the ongoing US naval blockade in the region, first imposed in July after the collapse of a June agreement between Washington and Tehran. Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to the Supreme Leader, said Iran would not tolerate the blockade and would never allow an alternate corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not seek a wider war but would defend its borders if it perceived a threat. Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War reported that Khamenei could take steps to limit Pezeshkian’s growing influence over the government’s approach to the US, amid internal debate over how far Iran should go to control the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar said mediation efforts for a diplomatic solution are continuing, though no direct talks between the US and Iran are currently planned. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said he has no objection to meeting Syria’s new leadership, signaling a shift in his position. Aramco’s CEO said Houthi attacks on Saudi facilities have had no material impact on production.