President Donald Trump on Monday declared negotiations with Iran are approaching a critical juncture, demanding the Strait of Hormuz reopen completely by Tuesday while warning Tehran faces its "last chance" to forge a deal before facing renewed U.S. military action.

The president characterized ongoing talks as progressing toward an agreement that would both reopen the strategic waterway and address Iran's nuclear program. Trump told reporters at the White House that discussions are "going on right now" and stressed the urgency of reaching a comprehensive settlement.

Strait Closure Drives Energy Crisis

Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz since late February 2026, blocking a conduit that previously carried 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. The closure has driven energy prices higher and fueled broader inflation across global markets.

Trump's comments follow a pattern established over recent weeks in which he has threatened major military strikes against Iran, only to pause operations to allow more time for diplomatic engagement. Most recently, the president called off what he described as a major attack over the weekend after what he termed progress in negotiations.

Conflicting Signals From Tehran

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Sunday denied Trump's claims that direct U.S.-Iran talks are underway, stating instead that discussions with Oman about new shipping routes through the strait represent the extent of current negotiations. Tehran characterized these as bilateral talks between two littoral states rather than U.S.-mediated negotiations.

Bloomberg reported that Iran suggested the Oman-mediated talks are making progress, though Iranian officials have maintained they are not engaged in direct negotiations with Washington. The Guardian noted this represents the latest twist in an ongoing conflict marked by escalating threats followed by diplomatic pauses.

Nuclear Program Central to Talks

Trump has made clear that any agreement must address both the immediate Hormuz crisis and Iran's longer-term nuclear ambitions. The president's public statements have emphasized he views the current talks as Tehran's final opportunity to reach a settlement before facing what he described as potential "decapitation."

Fox News reported Monday that Trump characterized a deal as "imminent," though Iranian confirmation of progress has been limited to acknowledgment of ongoing discussions with Omani mediators. The Los Angeles Times noted Trump called the planned talks the "last chance" for Iran to avoid U.S. strikes.

The White House has not provided a detailed timeline for when talks must conclude, though Trump's demand for the strait to reopen by Tuesday suggests the administration views the current diplomatic window as brief and conditional on rapid Iranian action.