Trump Says Strait of Hormuz Could Reopen by Tomorrow

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that discussions are progressing on the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as the first stage of ongoing talks involving Iran. He added that the next phase would focus on the denuclearisation of Iran while repeating that Tehran would never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after signing an Executive Order establishing the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission, Trump expressed confidence that developments regarding the strategic waterway could happen within a day.

Trump Outlines Two-Phase Discussion With Iran

Trump said the first priority is reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

"Well, we'll find out today or tomorrow. I mean, they're going to go quickly one way or the other. It's not very complex. We're talking about the Strait, the opening of the Strait, having it open, literally by tomorrow. Completely open. And that's Phase 1," Trump said.

He explained that once the first stage is completed, discussions would move to Iran's nuclear programme.

"Phase 2 is we then will talk about the nuclear capacity... I think most accurately, the denuclearisation of Iran has to happen. Has to happen. That'll be the second phase. But the first phase is the opening of the Strait, the second phase will be the denuclearisation, and that'll take a little while. But we're very strong on it. They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and I have never changed that position," he said.

Trump Calls It Iran's 'Last Chance'

During the media interaction, Trump said Iran had been given what he described as a final opportunity to reach an agreement.

"This is a last chance. This is not something that if it doesn't happen, this is a last chance for them to sign a good document," he said.

Trump claimed the United States had postponed a planned military strike after requests from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Iran to allow diplomatic efforts to continue.

He also said the discussions were taking place at Iran's request.

"We are talking right now, we're talking, and we're talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, backed by UAE, and backed by Qatar in particular, but others also. Many countries called... they all wanted to give this a last chance," Trump stated.

Trump Says Iran Publicly Denies Ongoing Talks

Trump accused Iran of denying negotiations in public while continuing discussions with US officials.

"It's an amazing thing... we have many talks... they'll sometimes deny it, even though they've spent hours and hours together talking. But the talks are going along," he said.

Trump Claims Military Action Was Prepared

The US President also claimed Washington had been ready to launch a major military operation against Iran before regional countries urged diplomacy.

"We were going to hit them very hard yesterday, very, very hard, harder than any attack... since World War II. We were set to go, and they called and, in addition, Saudi Arabia called, UAE called, Qatar called. I got calls from numerous people," Trump said.

He added that Iran wanted discussions instead of military action.

"Now, I don't want to use the word begging, but some were in particular. Iran did not want to be hit. And they said we want to talk... more importantly, from my standpoint, we want to talk about the de-nuclearisation of Iran because that's what it's all about," he said.

Truth Social Post Repeats US Position

Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social, accusing Iran's leadership of being "unbelievably duplicitous" by allegedly seeking talks with Washington while publicly denying negotiations.

He again stated that Iran would never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and claimed the United States remained in control of access through the Strait of Hormuz until an agreement or what he described as "total surrender" was reached.

Iran Rejects Claims of Negotiations

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected reports of direct or indirect negotiations with the United States, saying Tehran was not engaged in bilateral talks with Washington.

Baghaei also clarified that the understanding between Iran and Oman regarding a new maritime traffic route through the Strait of Hormuz was only a technical arrangement designed to ensure the safe movement of vessels. He said it should not be viewed as a reopening of the strategically important waterway.

Trump Signs Military Spouse Commission Order

Alongside the foreign policy announcements, Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, he said the commission would improve support for military families.

"Thank you for all being here as we take a major new step to support our incredible military families... Today, I'm signing an Executive Order to establish the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission," Trump said.