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Trump news dominated Thursday’s headlines as President Donald Trump said the nearly seven-month Iran war could be nearing its end, while also warning that he faces a major decision about whether to escalate the conflict or pursue a diplomatic settlement.
Speaking to reporters and in comments to Axios, Trump said Iran “wants to make a deal.” However, he also made clear that military action remains under consideration, saying he could choose to “annihilate” the Iranian regime. The president is expected to meet with leaders from six Gulf countries during the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.
Trump News: Critical Decision Looms Over Iran War
Trump’s comments came as the United States continued applying military and economic pressure on Tehran. U.S. Central Command said American forces had redirected 104 commercial vessels in the Middle East as part of an ongoing naval blockade aimed at enforcing maritime policy against Iran.
The president also claimed that U.S. forces had sunk 159 ships belonging to Iran’s navy. The statement was made as American military officials continued monitoring shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Regional tensions have also expanded beyond the direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Saudi Arabia has faced attacks and shipping threats from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Saudi officials said debris from an intercepted Houthi drone killed one person and injured two others in Taif province.
Energy Prices Add Pressure on the White House
The conflict is increasingly affecting American consumers. According to AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline rose overnight from $4.36 to $4.43 per gallon. Prices were more than 9% higher than a month earlier, with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz contributing to the increase.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans should focus on lowering fuel costs ahead of the midterm elections. Johnson argued that resolving the situation around the Strait of Hormuz would help reduce gasoline and grocery prices.
Oil prices moved lower Thursday after reports that Saudi Arabia was rerouting exports through Oman. Brent crude settled at $104.82 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude settled at $101.91. The decline eased some fears of an immediate supply shock, although energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the region.
Vice President JD Vance warned that a U.S. withdrawal from the Middle East could trigger a worldwide energy crisis if Iran continued attacking commercial shipping. Vance said the administration had already inflicted substantial damage on Iran’s nuclear program and conventional military forces.
Iran Faces Military, Financial and Diplomatic Pressure
U.S. officials continued targeting Iran’s financial networks. The State Department offered up to $15 million for information that could disrupt the money networks of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its Quds Force.
The Treasury Department also sanctioned BitBank, an Iranian cryptocurrency exchange accused of helping process payments linked to the Iranian government and commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said the platform was connected to sanctioned financier Babak Zanjani and had helped move funds tied to sanctions evasion.
Washington also approved visas for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials to attend the United Nations gathering. However, the delegation will face restrictions, including limits on purchasing luxury goods and other items in New York.
At the same time, fresh satellite imagery showed additional soil and defensive barriers around tunnel entrances at Iran’s deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz. The Institute for Science and International Security said the changes appeared to reinforce the facility against potential aerial attacks, although it assessed that normal operations were not currently taking place.
Saudi Arabia Set for Major Military Upgrade
The State Department separately approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft and related equipment to Saudi Arabia. The package includes engines, communications systems, electronic warfare support, training and long-term maintenance services.
The proposed deal is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s self-defense capabilities as the kingdom confronts threats to its oil infrastructure and shipping routes. Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney are expected to serve as the primary contractors.
Experts say the Red Sea has become a crucial alternative export route for Saudi oil as Iran attempts to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional analyst Hussain Abdul-Hussain described the threat to Saudi production as potentially existential, while noting that direct U.S. intervention against the Houthis remained uncertain.
What Comes Next for Trump and the Region?
Former Pentagon official Brent Sadler said the war could end by November if the naval blockade and economic pressure continue to weaken Tehran. Former Navy officer Arthur Busick also said a settlement after the November midterm elections was possible, though he warned that failure to reach an agreement could create political difficulties for Republicans.
- Trump says Iran may be ready for a deal.
- The president is weighing escalation or diplomacy.
- Gas prices have climbed to a national average of $4.43.
- Saudi Arabia is seeking stronger defenses and alternate oil routes.
- U.S. sanctions are targeting Iran’s financial and military networks.
The latest Trump news highlights the growing connection between foreign policy, energy prices and domestic politics. Whether the conflict ends through negotiations or expands into a broader regional confrontation could affect global markets, American households and the administration’s political standing ahead of the midterms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Donald Trump say about the Iran war?
Donald Trump said Iran wants to make a deal and that the war may be nearing its end. He also said he faces a major decision about whether to escalate military action.
How has the Iran war affected gas prices?
AAA reported that the national average price for regular gasoline rose to $4.43 per gallon, more than 9% higher than a month earlier.
What is the proposed Saudi F-35 deal?
The United States approved a potential $24.3 billion sale involving 48 F-35 fighter jets, engines, training, communications systems and support services.
Could the Iran war end before November?
Several former U.S. officials said the war could end by November if economic pressure, sanctions and the naval blockade force Tehran toward negotiations.
