Trump gives Iran 'last chance' warning before 'decapitation'

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that he intends to give Iran a "last chance" to negotiate before resorting to what he described as "decapitation" action, insisting that secret talks are already underway despite Iranian officials' public denials. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the negotiations are proceeding at Tehran's request with backing from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

"This is the last chance for them to sign a good document," Trump said, adding that he wants to give Iranian leadership "every last chance before decapitation." The US president did not elaborate on the specific nature of the threatened action, but his comments marked a dramatic escalation in rhetoric amid ongoing tensions over Tehran's nuclear program and regional security.

Gulf states' role

Trump told reporters that Iran requested the talks, which are supported by key Gulf allies. "We're talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, backed by UAE and backed by Qatar in particular, but others also," he said. The involvement of major regional powers suggests a coordinated diplomatic push to prevent further military confrontation in the Middle East.

Addressing Iranian denials that any negotiations are taking place, Trump claimed that secrecy is standard protocol for Tehran. "When they're talking, they don't like saying that they're talking… We're in talks, and they'll sometimes deny it, even though they spend hours and hours together talking," he said. Asked directly whether talks were off, Trump responded: "They're going on right now."

Two-phase framework

The US president outlined a two-phase framework for the negotiations, with the initial focus on reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz followed by discussions on Iran's nuclear capabilities. The proposed structure indicates Washington's priority of securing maritime passage through the vital oil chokepoint before addressing broader non-proliferation concerns.