Trump claims Iran's choices limited to 'a Deal, or Total Surrender' as talks with Oman continue

In August 2026, conflicting reports emerged regarding potential negotiations between the United States and Iran amidst heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stated that talks with Iran were scheduled to resume, suggesting an "imminent deal" related to the strategic waterway and Iran's denuclearization. Trump's remarks followed his decision to halt a planned military strike against Iran, citing requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.

However, Iranian officials, including the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, emphatically denied any direct negotiations with Washington. Iran clarified that its ongoing discussions were solely with Oman, focusing on establishing a new, temporary route for safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

This stark contradiction highlighted the absence of a clear diplomatic channel between the two nations, despite continued volatility in the Gulf region. Iran maintained that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, would remain under its control and closed if faced with what it termed "hostile actions" from the U.S. The disparate accounts from the US and Iran left considerable uncertainty regarding the path toward de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing disputes.