Trump Says War with Iran "Close to Ending" in Direct Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said overnight Wednesday that he believes the war with Iran is approaching its conclusion, claiming that Tehran is "eager" to reach an agreement with Washington.

"Well, hopefully we’re toward the end of the war,” Trump told reporters. “Iran is very much wanting to make a deal. We’ll see how that works out." Trump told White House reporters.

When asked whether he had recently heard from senior Iranian officials and whether contacts were being conducted directly or through intermediaries, the president replied: "No, directly."

Alongside Trump's remarks, reports emerged that the president is scheduled to meet with leaders of Gulf states on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next week. According to Israeli Channel 12 News, the meeting will focus on discussing the next steps in the conflict with Iran.

A source involved in the details said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also wants to meet with President Trump, but no meeting has been scheduled at this stage.

A Saudi source close to the royal family recently revealed to Channel 12 News the depth of frustration at the kingdom's leadership: "There is deep disappointment in Saudi Arabia with the American position and a growing sense of helplessness." According to the source, the absence of a firm American policy allows the Houthis to expand their influence unchecked.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is preparing to approve a $2.8 billion arms deal for Israel, including 40,000 bombs weighing approximately 900 kilograms each. According to a Washington Post report, this is the single largest deal for armaments of this type to Israel in recent years.