Trump Calls Iran Talks ‘Last Chance Before Decapitation’ as He Presses for Deal

"Talks are underway to reopen Hormuz by August 4, then move to denuclearization"

President Donald Trump said the US is engaged in new talks with Iran and described them as Tehran’s “last chance before decapitation” to reach an agreement.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on August 3, Trump said the US is “talking to Iran now” and that this is “their last chance to sign a good document.” He added that he wanted to give Iran “every last chance” before “decapitation.”

Trump said the US had already carried out many large-scale attacks, though he described them as “normal-level” major strikes. He said he hoped Iran would “come to its senses.”

The comments suggested Washington could resume the large-scale airstrikes it recently put on hold at the request of Middle Eastern countries if Iran refuses to negotiate.

Trump said negotiations with Iran would move quickly. As a first step, he said the sides are discussing a plan to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz by August 4. After that, they would move on to talks over Iran’s denuclearization.

He also reaffirmed that the US would not accept any Iranian plan to impose transit fees on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has denied Trump’s claim that talks with the US are underway. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said it is not engaged in direct negotiations with Washington and is instead discussing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz with Oman.

Trump also said he has no political reason to rush an agreement with Iran because he is not seeking a third term. The remark appeared intended to rebut criticism in the US that he is pushing for a quick end to the war with the November midterm elections in mind.

Trump said on the night of August 1 that he had postponed a major attack on Iran at the request of Middle Eastern countries and urged a swift agreement. He also called Iran “duplicitous,” saying it had sought negotiations in private while denying that publicly.

Trump also signed an executive order on August 3 creating a Military Spouse Committee to strengthen support for service members and their families. The panel will be chaired by Jennifer Hegseth, the wife of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. It will advise the president on child care, employment, housing and health-care issues affecting military families.

The move was also viewed as an effort to ease internal discontent by expanding support for troops and their families as the war with Iran drags on and US military casualties rise.

Trump also publicly criticized Jeanine Pirro, the interim US attorney for the District of Columbia, for asking a court to dismiss charges against a man accused of damaging an artificial pond in Washington.

“He made a mistake. I’m very disappointed,” Trump said. Pirro had concluded the damage was caused by shoddy construction, but Trump maintained it was intentional. Pirro, a vocal Trump ally since her time as a Fox News host, was appointed to the post last year.

Kim Hee-sun, Hankyung.com reporter gimme_sun@hankyung.com