04.08.2026 02:00
US President Donald Trump stated that the military operation against Iran was called off at the last minute and shared details of the diplomatic process. Trump said they were preparing to carry out the heaviest attack since World War II, but halted the operation upon the mediation of Gulf countries and a request from Tehran, adding, "This is the last chance. I wanted to give one final chance before eliminating the leadership cadres."
US President Donald Trump answered questions from the press at an event where he signed an executive order establishing the Presidential Commission on Military Spouses to advise the president on policies affecting military spouses and military families at the White House.
"TALKS ARE ONGOING"
Asked whether talks with Iran had ended, Trump said, "The talks are currently ongoing. It's an incredible thing. This time they're not denying it. But for some reason, they don't like saying they're negotiating. I say we're negotiating. What's the big deal about that? We're talking. Sometimes they deny it even though they talk for hours together. No, the talks are ongoing."
"I DON'T WANT TO SAY THEY BEGGED"
Trump said, "Yesterday we were going to hit them very hard. As far as I know, it would have been heavier than all the attacks carried out since World War II. It was a pretty big thing. We were ready to act. We were ready to act, but then they called us. Also, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar called. I spoke with many people. I don't want to say they begged, but Iran didn't want to be struck. They said, 'We want to talk. We want to talk about the Strait.' Most important to me is discussing the denuclearization of Iran. That's the whole issue."
Trump said the talks were held at Iran's request, adding, "This request is specifically supported by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Other countries support it too. Many countries and leaders called. I have friendly relations with many of them, perhaps almost all of them. They all wanted one last chance to be given. This is the last chance. We're not talking about a process where a new opportunity will be given if no results are achieved. This is their last chance to sign a good deal."
"NEGOTIATIONS WILL PROCEED QUICKLY, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER"
Asked about what stage the Iran talks were at, Trump replied, "Negotiations will proceed quickly, one way or another. It's not a very complicated issue." Trump said, "We're talking about opening the Strait of Hormuz. We want the Strait fully opened, literally by tomorrow. That's phase one. In phase two, we will discuss Iran's nuclear capability. As previously stated, I think this essentially means the denuclearization of Iran. It needs to happen. It absolutely must happen."
Trump said phase two would take some time, but they were extremely determined on this matter.
"I WILL NOT ALLOW IRAN TO COLLECT TOLLS"
Asked whether Iran was ready to return to completely free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, "They have to return. I will not allow Iran to collect tolls. If anyone is going to collect tolls, we will. We are totally in control. No fees will be collected. We're not talking about fees. No fees will be collected."
"I WANT TO GIVE ONE MORE CHANCE BEFORE ELIMINATING THE LEADERSHIP CADRES"
When a press member reminded Trump that the US had halted its attacks for at least the fifth time to continue negotiations with Iran, Trump said, "Maybe we can achieve a result. I want to give one more chance before eliminating the leadership cadres."
Trump stated, "Doing what we planned is a very heavy decision. The plan is still on the table. We'll see what happens. But carrying it out is really very difficult. I'm proud of giving people a chance. Attacking a country on this scale is a very big step. I'd prefer not to have to do it."
"THE ATTACK WAS SUPPOSED TO START LAST NIGHT"
Trump claimed that the Iranian side learned about the comprehensive US attacks through leaks, and they called him saying, "Please don't attack, we'll make a deal." He said, "Those who leak information should be imprisoned, and the laws on this matter should be tightened. On the other hand, these leaks actually worked. Because it revealed how severe the attack would be, and Iran learned about it. They knew what was going to happen. The attack was supposed to start last night and would have lasted a long time. In the end, almost nothing would have remained. There's an opportunity to ensure many people survive, and I'd like to use it. I'm under no time pressure."