US signals quick end to war as new attacks hit Gulf and Iran

The United States has indicated that the war with Iran could end soon, even as fresh attacks continue across the region. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington sees a possible conclusion to the conflict in the coming weeks, with or without a formal agreement.

"We'll be leaving very soon," Trump said, suggesting a timeline of "within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three." He added that Iran does not necessarily need to agree to a deal for the United States to withdraw.

Rubio echoed the sentiment, saying there was potential for direct talks with Tehran and that the US could "see the finish line," though not immediately.

Despite these signals, violence intensified across multiple fronts. Drone strikes hit fuel tanks at Kuwait’s international airport, causing a major fire, while Bahrain reported damage to a facility from an attack. A tanker near Doha was also struck by a projectile, though its crew remained safe.

In Iran, explosions were reported in Tehran following US-Israeli air strikes, and the Shahid Haghani Port was hit without reported casualties. The conflict has repeatedly spilled into Gulf states, raising concerns over the security of energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.

Markets reacted with cautious optimism. Oil prices rose slightly, while Asian stocks rebounded after earlier losses, as investors hoped for de-escalation. However, rising fuel costs continue to strain households and pose political challenges for the US administration.

Iran has downplayed the prospect of negotiations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said communications with US officials do not amount to formal talks, describing them as indirect messages rather than negotiations.

Meanwhile, tensions with US allies have also surfaced. Rubio criticized NATO partners for not contributing enough, warning that relationships may be reassessed after the conflict.

The situation remains volatile on the ground. Missile debris landed in central Israel following Iranian strikes, while Yemen’s Houthi forces launched coordinated attacks alongside Iran and Hezbollah. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes in Beirut killed and injured several people, further expanding the scope of the war.

As fighting continues, international concern is growing, with calls for investigations into casualties, including the deaths of UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.