President Donald Trump is reportedly set to meet with Gulf leaders next week to discuss the next steps in the Iran war.
Trump is expected to engage in talks with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The meeting, planned for next Tuesday, is expected to occur alongside the UN General Assembly in New York, Axios reported on Wednesday.
The talks are predicted to focus on U.S. strategies for a postwar scenario. The President and his senior team are developing a "day-after" plan, which is likely to be finalized after the midterms, the report added citing people familiar with the matter.
The meeting may also include other Arab and Muslim leaders. The State Department reportedly sent out initial invitations on Wednesday.
White House did not immediately respond to MarketDash's request for comments.
Trump Signals Iran War May Be Nearing End
Trump told reporters in North Carolina on Wednesday that the U.S. is "hopefully" nearing the end of its nearly seven-month war with Iran.
"They (Iran) want to make a deal, we'll see how that works out," the President said.
Last week, Trump said the Iran war would end after the November midterm elections, accusing Tehran of trying to influence the vote to protect its nuclear ambitions.
Gulf States Face Houthi Pressure
During the war, Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases suffered significant Iranian attacks and economic losses due to disruptions in oil and natural gas exports.
The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia and launched a ground offensive to gain control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought U.S. military support against the Houthis. Trump declined direct strikes but offered intelligence assistance.
Former Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo warned that Iran is using its Houthi allies in Yemen to increase pressure on the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Pompeo described this as a strategy to preserve Tehran's regime.
Iran's Trade Bypass Efforts Falter
Iran's efforts to bypass the U.S. blockade by shifting trade overland are faltering, with truck drivers facing growing bureaucratic hurdles and costs at borders with Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, the Wall Street Journal reported.
U.S. sanctions and strikes have also disrupted Iran's seaborne exports. Meanwhile, Mahan Air suspended flights to Oman and Turkey following additional sanctions. The blockade is also restricting imports of basic goods, with shippers reluctant to serve Iran despite exemptions for food and humanitarian supplies.
