President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday evening that he hopes the war against Iran is “towards the end,” despite a fresh escalation of fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Iran‑backed Houthi movement in Yemen.
Escalation in the Red Sea region
The Houthi advance along the Red Sea and their drone and missile strikes on Saudi cities, including attacks on the East‑West oil pipeline, have expanded Tehran’s reach and heightened worries about global oil supplies. Saudi aircraft have responded with extensive air strikes, with Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claiming as many as 450 Saudi strikes on Yemen this week.
U.S. travel warning and oil market impact
In response to the widening conflict, the United States tightened its travel warning for Saudi Arabia, prohibiting government employees from traveling within 20 miles (30 km) of the Yemen border. The war’s spread threatens to worsen the existing energy‑supply shortage caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which previously carried about 20% of global oil and LNG.
Traders note that a prolonged shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s East‑West pipeline could cut up to 4% of global oil supply. Brent crude hovered around $108 a barrel, near its highest level since May, while U.S. diesel prices hit a record above $6.30 a gallon. However, early Thursday trading saw Brent drop $1.24 (1.2%) to $104.59 as Saudi Arabia offered extra crude cargoes through Oman, easing some supply concerns.
Trump’s diplomatic outreach
Axios reported that President Trump is expected to meet Gulf Cooperation Council leaders at the United Nations General Assembly to discuss next steps in the conflict. While the State Department and the White House declined to comment, the meeting would involve foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
Trump also said he has heard directly from Iran about a possible deal, though he offered no details. He reiterated earlier statements that Iran wants a settlement, suggesting a diplomatic path forward.
Political implications
The rise in oil and gas prices due to the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran has become a significant issue for the Republican Party as it heads into the November midterm elections, underscoring the administration’s focus on energy security and foreign‑policy stability.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
