Donald Trump claimed on Monday that the United States had resumed talks with Iran, despite Tehran’s earlier denial, and said the discussions could reopen the Strait of Hormuz by tomorrow.

He warned he was ready to strike Iran “harder than any attack since World War II,” but held back at the request of Gulf allies, adding that a second phase would focus on de‑nuclearization, a process that “will take a little while.” The president also said Gulf partners believed a deal was imminent to reopen the strait and curb Iran’s nuclear programme, after speaking with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei insisted Tehran was not negotiating with the US and was focused on a deal with Oman to manage shipping through the strait, noting that an agreement with Oman alone would not be sufficient while the US naval blockade remains in place. Oil prices fell 4.7% to $83.77 a barrel after Trump pulled back from escalation.

The dispute has revived concerns over a broader Middle East conflict, with Gulf states urging diplomacy and warning that renewed US strikes could trigger wider fighting, while mediators push for a provisional arrangement to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and revive the June 17 memorandum of understanding that extended a 60‑day ceasefire.