By Desmond Nleya
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States was “hopefully” nearing the end of its war with Iran, while claiming that Washington had been in direct contact with Tehran.
Trump did not provide details of the alleged communication or indicate whether formal negotiations were underway. His comments came as the conflict entered its seventh month, with fighting continuing across parts of the Middle East. (Reuters)
Iranian officials have continued to express deep distrust of Washington. Iran’s national security chief Mohsen Rezaei has said the United States would need to take practical steps to rebuild Tehran’s confidence before meaningful negotiations could progress.
The conflict has also widened beyond the US-Iran confrontation. Fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen has intensified, with attacks threatening key energy infrastructure and shipping routes. Reuters reported that Houthi advances and attacks on Saudi facilities have increased concerns over global oil supplies. (Reuters)
The United Nations has called for de-escalation and diplomacy as violence spreads across the region.
Meanwhile, China has urged Washington and Tehran to exercise restraint and return to the interim peace framework agreed in June. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the appeal during talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Beijing on Wednesday. (Reuters)
Trump is also expected to meet Gulf leaders during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York, with discussions reportedly expected to include US plans for the postwar period. (Reuters)
Despite Trump’s comments, there has been no publicly announced comprehensive peace agreement between the United States and Iran, and military activity continues across the region.
