Trump Says Iran Faces a "Last Chance" Before "Decapitation" as Tehran Denies Talks Are Even Happening

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, President Trump said negotiations with Iran were under way and that Tehran faced a "last chance before decapitation." Iran's foreign ministry denied the same day that talks were taking place; Trump said "We are talking right now." He predicted the Strait of Hormuz could reopen as soon as Tuesday as "phase one," with denuclearization to follow. The day before, on Air Force One, Trump said a plan was in place for "the biggest attack since World War II" against Iran and that he halted it after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar urged him to hold off.

A president publicly threatening the "decapitation" of another government's leadership, while that government denies negotiations are occurring, leaves the public record on a live war resting on the administration's own account of talks no other party has confirmed.

As of Aug. 3 no venue, participants or text had been disclosed and Iran's denial stood.