U.S.-Iran Talks Advance as Trump Outlines Two-Phase Approach
President Donald Trump provided new details on the ongoing negotiations with Iran during a recent press briefing at the White House. He confirmed that discussions are currently active and laid out a structured, two-phase plan to address the longstanding tensions.
Phase One: Reopening the Strait, Phase Two: Denuclearization
Trump explained that the immediate focus is on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route. He indicated that progress has been made on this front, suggesting the strategic waterway could resume normal operations very soon.
"We are firm on this," Trump stated regarding the nuclear issue, setting denuclearization as the ultimate goal for the second phase. "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon."
Regional Backing and Iran's Initiative
The President attributed the start of talks to a direct appeal from Tehran. He described a scenario where the U.S. was prepared to launch a "powerful strike, more forceful than ever before," but the course changed.
"Iran called," Trump said. "Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar called as well." He noted that Iran, seeking to avoid confrontation, initiated the dialogue specifically to discuss the Strait of Hormuz.
The negotiations are not occurring in isolation. Trump emphasized they are proceeding with the support of several regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
A Final Warning and Stipulations
Trump delivered a stark message to Iran, calling the current talks its "final chance." He also set a clear boundary, declaring that the United States will not permit Iran to levy tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
These statements frame the high-stakes diplomatic engagement, pointing to a critical and uncertain period ahead for both the strategic waterway's status and broader U.S.-Iran relations.