WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has stated that he expects the ongoing war with Iran to be coming to an end. Meanwhile, conflict between Iran-backed Houthi fighters and Saudi Arabia in Yemen has intensified, raising regional tensions and concerns over global energy supplies.
According to Reuters, Trump told reporters on Wednesday evening that he hopes the end of the war is near. He added that Iran wants to make a deal, though no new agreement has been confirmed. An interim agreement signed in June between the US and Iran to end the war broke down just a few weeks later, and no formal talks have taken place since.
In Yemen, Houthi fighters have advanced rapidly along the Red Sea coast. Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes against Houthi targets, while the Houthis have launched drone and missile attacks toward Saudi cities and positions. According to Reuters, the Houthis have also claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet, though this claim has not been independently verified.
The conflict is also impacting energy supplies. Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline was damaged in an attack last week. Additionally, rising tensions in the Red Sea and the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait are increasing risks for global oil and maritime trade.
According to Reuters, Brent crude oil prices stood at around $108 per barrel in international markets on Wednesday, though prices softened somewhat in early Thursday trade following news that Saudi Arabia was making extra oil cargoes available via Oman.
