Trump Says Iran War May Be Nearing End as Gulf Leaders Meeting Looms in New York
The Iran war may be entering a new political phase after U.S. President Donald Trump said he hoped the conflict was nearing an end and asserted that Tehran wanted an agreement, as reports emerged of a planned meeting between Trump and Gulf leaders in New York next week.
Trump told reporters that he hoped the war was approaching its conclusion. He said Iran wanted to reach a deal and that Washington had heard from Tehran directly, without providing details about the nature or substance of those contacts.
Iran War: Trump Says an End May Be Near
Trump’s comments followed a series of remarks in which he said the conflict with Iran was in its final stages and that Tehran was eager to reach an agreement.
The president also said the war would end soon and linked an eventual end to the conflict to a potential decline in oil and gasoline prices. Those remain Trump’s projections, and no ceasefire agreement or official timetable for ending military operations has been announced.
Profile News previously covered Trump’s earlier statements on the possibility of a U.S.-Iran agreement before the military confrontation escalated.
Trump Expected to Meet Gulf Leaders in New York
Separately, Axios reported, citing three sources with direct knowledge, that Trump is expected to meet Gulf leaders or foreign ministers next Tuesday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
The meeting is expected to include representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman and to focus on the next phase of the conflict and U.S. ideas for a postwar strategy, according to the report.
Axios said the State Department sent initial invitations on Wednesday. The White House did not publicly comment on the report, and one source said the gathering could be expanded to include additional Arab and Muslim leaders.
The Gulf states have a direct stake in the discussions because of the war’s impact on regional security and energy supplies, as well as Iranian attacks on Gulf countries that host U.S. military bases during the conflict.
Seven Months of War With No Agreement Announced
The war is now in its seventh month after beginning on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran responded with strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases, according to Reuters.
Trump has cited weakening Iran’s nuclear capabilities as one of the objectives of U.S. military operations. Iran says it does not possess nuclear weapons and maintains that its uranium enrichment program is intended for peaceful purposes.
Despite Trump’s repeated statements that the conflict may be nearing an end, neither side has announced a formal agreement or a comprehensive halt to military operations.
Congress Increases Pressure Over the Iran War
Trump’s comments come as political debate in Washington intensifies over continued U.S. military involvement.
The House of Representatives recently approved an Iran war-powers measure by a vote of 220-204, with seven Republicans joining Democrats. Profile News has detailed the congressional vote over war powers related to Iran.
The conflict and disruptions to maritime traffic have also pushed energy prices higher, particularly as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply. Profile News previously documented the steep decline in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Attention Turns to New York
Next week’s U.N. General Assembly meetings are therefore emerging as an important diplomatic point in the conflict, particularly if Trump’s planned meeting with Gulf leaders proceeds as reported.
The key question will be whether Trump’s assertion that Iran wants an agreement develops into a publicly acknowledged negotiating process or whether diplomatic contacts continue alongside military operations.
Report Sources: Profile News, Axios, White House, U.S. Department of State, Reuters.
