US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it faces a 'last chance before decapitation' if it does not agree to a deal. Trump said negotiations with Iran are ongoing, despite Tehran's denials, and that the Islamic Republic must choose between signing a deal or facing total surrender.
Negotiations and Denials
Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, said he agreed to continue pursuing talks with Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other countries. Iran's foreign ministry denied on Monday that negotiations with Washington were taking place, but Trump insisted they were. 'We are talking right now,' he said.
'This is a last chance for them to sign a good document,' the US president added. 'I want to give them every last chance before decapitation.' The talks are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump said could come 'literally by tomorrow,' and the denuclearization of Iran, which he said could 'take a little while.'
Ongoing Conflict and Blockade
Washington and Tehran have been at war since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched surprise strikes against Iran, though months of on-and-off diplomacy have led to periods of relative calm. More than five months later, Iran remains able to fire missiles and drones at US and allied targets in the region and retains its enriched uranium stockpiles.
Early Tuesday, Britain's maritime security agency UKMTO said that a cargo vessel was struck by an 'unknown projectile' in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. The vessel, which was not named, reported being hit and authorities were investigating, UKMTO said, without giving specifics on damage or injuries.
Iran has reprised a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, obstructing vessels attempting to pass and firing on commercial ships. Tehran insists on retaining control and charging fees, something the United States rejects. Iran has refused to let ships travel any route other than one that hugs the Iranian coast.
