By Desmond Nleya
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump says the war involving Iran may be nearing an end, as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a temporary agreement to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking amid concerns over rising energy prices, Trump said he expected the conflict to conclude “pretty soon” and suggested that the fighting could not continue much longer.
The comments came as the United States, Iran and Oman moved closer to a temporary deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy shipping route that has been severely disrupted by the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israel war on Iran remain stalled, however, while Iranian authorities have tightened internal security measures across the country, particularly in the capital, Tehran.
The conflict has also continued to spread across the region. Yemeni forces reported that Houthi attacks involving suicide drones and ballistic missiles killed at least 17 soldiers and one officer.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had launched a large number of ballistic missiles and drones against Emergency Forces bases in Marib and Hadramout. He claimed the attacks destroyed troops, weapons and military vehicles.
The developments come as regional governments and international markets closely monitor the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s energy supplies passes.
Any agreement to restore shipping through the waterway could ease pressure on global energy markets, but continued military activity and stalled negotiations leave the timing of an end to the conflict uncertain.
