Trump says war can’t ‘go much longer’; Hormuz deal close

US President Donald Trump says he expects the war on Iran to conclude “pretty soon”, adding during questions on high energy prices that he does not believe “they can go much longer”.
The US, Iran, and Oman are approaching a temporary deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Crown Prince and France’s Macron discuss regional security in call
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has discussed the situation in the Middle East and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea with French President Emmanuel Macron during a phone call, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

It said that the two leaders discussed joint efforts to enhance stability in the region and achieve security following attacks on Saudi targets by Yemen’s Iran-linked Houthi group.
Oil gains to settle at over $82 a barrel
Brent crude futures have risen $3.04, or 3.83 percent, to settle at $82.49 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate futures gained $2.07, or 2.75 percent, to $77.29 on Thursday.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported, citing a lawmaker, that an Iranian parliamentary committee is reviewing a preliminary bill that would bar US, Israeli and other “hostile” vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The draft bill would impose fines of up to 20 percent of a ship’s cargo value for violations of the proposed restrictions.
A recap of recent developments
US President Donald Trump expects the war on Iran to end “pretty soon,” telling reporters during questions on global and domestic energy prices that he does not think “they can go much longer.”
Trump again dismisses claims of ammunition shortages, asserting that the US possesses “an unlimited supply” of weapons. Addressing reporters in Washington, he said that the country remains “in very good shape” with “literally massive amounts of ammunition.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian states that the US has applied “maximum” economic pressure, noting that Iran loses roughly 230 million cubic meters of gas daily as a result of US-Israeli attacks.
Yemeni forces reported that Houthi strikes using suicide drones and ballistic missiles left at least 18 troops dead.
The latest cycle of Rome talks between Lebanon and Israel has concluded, with the US State Department characterising the discussions as “fruitful”.
Following a meeting in Amman, Jordan, several nations have condemned Israel’s escalating attacks in Gaza, while Hamas has urged the signatories to stop Israel “from sabotaging the agreement” in the region.
UNICEF reports that at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza during the 300 days following the October 2025 “ceasefire,” averaging one child per day.
A recap of recent developments
US President Donald Trump expects the war on Iran to end “pretty soon,” telling reporters during questions on global and domestic energy prices that he does not think “they can go much longer.”
Trump again dismisses claims of ammunition shortages, asserting that the US possesses “an unlimited supply” of weapons. Addressing reporters in Washington, he said that the country remains “in very good shape” with “literally massive amounts of ammunition.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian states that the US has applied “maximum” economic pressure, noting that Iran loses roughly 230 million cubic meters of gas daily as a result of US-Israeli attacks.
Yemeni forces reported that Houthi strikes using suicide drones and ballistic missiles left at least 18 troops dead.
The latest cycle of Rome talks between Lebanon and Israel has concluded, with the US State Department characterising the discussions as “fruitful”.
Following a meeting in Amman, Jordan, several nations have condemned Israel’s escalating attacks in Gaza, while Hamas has urged the signatories to stop Israel “from sabotaging the agreement” in the region.
UNICEF reports that at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza during the 300 days following the October 2025 “ceasefire,” averaging one child per day.