Trump warns Iran: 'Last chance' for deal before 'decapitation'

President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, calling it the country's "last chance" to reach a nuclear deal before what he described as "decapitation." The ultimatum comes amid ongoing but strained negotiations, continued U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, and new attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia that threaten to further destabilize the region.

Trump's Ultimatum and the Path to Talks

Speaking during an Oval Office signing event, Trump said he was giving Tehran every opportunity to avoid a catastrophic outcome. "I want to give every last chance before decapitation," he said, according to remarks reported by White House pool reporters. He also revealed details of a proposed two-phase deal, with the immediate reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz followed by Iran's denuclearization at a later stage.

The president hinted that Iran was swayed by the threat of massive strikes that were planned for Sunday night. "The leakers helped," he said, "because they said the severity of the attack, and Iran knew it. It was going to come last night, and it would have gone on for a long time, and there'd be essentially very little left." Trump added that he was "under no time constraint" and wanted to give people a chance to live.

A Fragile Negotiation Process

The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks through Omani intermediaries since June, based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both countries. However, the process has been plagued by mutual distrust. On Monday, Trump accused Iranian leadership of being "unbelievably duplicitous," saying they "beg" for meetings but then publicly deny any direct discussions.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei pushed back, reiterating that talks with Oman are strictly focused on the Strait of Hormuz. "The issues related to Iran and the United States should be examined in the next stages to see in which direction the situation will go," he said. Trump, however, expressed frustration with Iran's insistence that it is "only dealing with" Oman.

Military Operations and the Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint

The comments come against a backdrop of intense military activity. On February 28, Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government, and infrastructure sites. Although delegations began negotiations in June, both sides have continued to exchange strikes, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as the primary flashpoint. Trump has repeatedly insisted that the U.S. will not allow tolls in the vital waterway, but added, "if anybody's going to charge, we'll charge."

Houthi Attacks and Maritime Incidents

In a separate but related development, the Houthi rebel forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Najran Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a post on X that the "precise" strike was successful. The Saudi Defense Ministry has not yet commented on the claim.

Meanwhile, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported that a cargo ship was hit by an "unknown projectile" off the coast of Oman on Monday. The incident underscores the growing risks to shipping in the region, as Iran-backed groups continue to threaten maritime routes.

As the world watches, the window for a diplomatic solution appears narrow. Trump's "last chance" rhetoric suggests an imminent decision, while Iran's public denials and the continued violence on multiple fronts raise the stakes for all parties. The coming days will determine whether negotiations can prevent a wider conflict or whether the region is headed for another devastating war.