WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that the war with Iran could soon come to an end, saying the conflict may be nearing its conclusion. Trump also said that Iran wants to reach a deal, although he indicated that it remains to be seen how the talks will progress.
According to a report in the US media, Trump is expected to meet with Gulf leaders or foreign ministers next week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting is expected to focus on the US strategy for the post-war period.
The report said representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are expected to take part in the meeting.
The Iran war began on February 28, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran subsequently launched attacks against Israel and US military bases in Gulf countries.
Trump has identified weakening Iran’s nuclear capabilities as one of the objectives of the war. Iran, however, maintains that its uranium-enrichment programme is intended for peaceful purposes.
The conflict has caused significant loss of life and displacement across the region, while higher oil and gas prices have also emerged as a major issue in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections.
