President Trump declares the United States will soon be leaving the war against Iran and anticipates a national address
Both Kuwait and Bahrain were hit by new attacks from Iran, with a tanker struck off the coast of Qatar
Rubio believes direct talks with Tehran are possible
Asian stocks rebound on hopes of war ending
Iran reports strikes in the capital and a port terminal hit
by Nandita Bose, Steven Scheer, and Yomna Ehab
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have stated that the end of the war against Iran could be near, hinting at the possibility of direct talks with Tehran’s leaders and a reduction in the conflict, even without an agreement.
These remarks underscore Washington’s changing and sometimes contradictory statements on the timing and terms of ending a war that has claimed thousands of lives, spread across the region, and caused unprecedented energy disruptions.
“We will be leaving very soon,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday, specifying that it could be “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.”
“Iran is not obligated to reach an agreement, no,” he added when asked if successful diplomacy was a prerequisite for the United States to end what they call “Operation Epic Fury.”
TRUMP TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON IRAN
The United States had previously threatened to escalate operations if Tehran did not accept a 15-point ceasefire framework demanding that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons or enrich uranium and fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House announced that Trump will address the nation “to provide a significant update on Iran” at 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday (0100 GMT on Thursday).
Rubio stated on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity” that there was potential for a “direct meeting at some point” and that the United States could “see the finish line.”
“It’s not today, it’s not tomorrow, but it’s soon,” Rubio added.
TANKER HIT OFF QATAR, FIRES IN BAHRAIN AND KUWAIT
Attacks unfolded on multiple fronts on Wednesday, with drones hitting fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport, causing a large fire, and Bahrain authorities reporting a fire in undisclosed company facilities following an Iranian attack.
Qatar reported that a tanker leased to the state-owned QatarEnergy was hit by an Iranian cruise missile in Qatari waters, with damage above the waterline but no injuries or environmental damage.
Explosions were heard in several neighborhoods of Tehran after American-Israeli airstrikes, according to Iranian state media.
State television showed car convoys waving Iranian flags and pro-government gatherings in several cities during the national day marking the establishment of the Islamic republic in 1979.
The Shahid Haghani Port, Iran’s largest passenger terminal, was struck by an airstrike overnight, with no casualties reported, according to regional deputy governor Ahmad Nafisi speaking to state media, calling the attack “criminal” against civilian infrastructure.
Iran has repeatedly targeted Gulf countries, some hosting U.S. bases, during the conflict, and its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about its ability to use this vital waterway, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes, as leverage.
Oil fell over 3% on Wednesday, erasing earlier gains, on Trump’s comments about a war exit, and the broader MSCI Asia-Pacific index .MIAPJ0000PUS rose more than 4.7%, its largest single-day increase since November 2022.
U.S. TO REEVALUATE NATO RELATIONS, RUBIO DECLARES
Rising oil and fuel prices weigh on American households’ finances and pose a political challenge for Trump and his Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, two-thirds of Americans believe the United States should strive to quickly end the war with Iran.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that other countries must be “ready to step up” and help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, echoing Trump’s criticisms aimed at NATO members such as Britain and France.
Rubio told Fox News that Washington will not ignore the lack of assistance from other NATO members. “Once this conflict is over, we will have to reassess this relationship,” he said.
The United Arab Emirates are preparing to assist the United States and allies in forcibly reopening the strait, the Wall Street Journal reported late Tuesday. The UAE is seeking a UN Security Council resolution for this action and is suggesting the U.S. take strategic roles, according to the report.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards responded on Tuesday with a new threat against American companies in the region starting 8 p.m. Tehran time (1630 GMT) on Wednesday, listing 18 companies including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla, and Boeing.
When asked if he was concerned about the threats, Trump responded in the negative.
HOUTHI LAUNCH COORDINATED ATTACK
Missile debris struck several areas in central Israel following a barrage of rockets launched earlier in the morning by Iran. Israeli authorities did not immediately report any casualties.
Most of the 19 confirmed deaths in Israel so far have been caused by falling rocket debris from interceptions.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have joined the regional war in recent days, claimed to have carried out a missile attack on Israel, describing it as a joint operation with Iran and Hezbollah supported by Tehran in Lebanon, the first such collaboration between them during the war.
The Israeli military stated that its air defense systems were working to intercept the threats.
The war has also reignited conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. At least seven people were killed and 24 injured in two Israeli strikes in the Beirut region, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Israel stated it was targeting two senior Hezbollah officials.
Indonesia demanded an investigation into the deaths of three of its peacekeepers following Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which also killed journalists and medical staff.
“We demand a direct investigation by the UN, not just apologies from Israel,” said Indonesian representative to the UN Umar Hadi during an emergency Security Council meeting.
((Content translated using automated tools by Reuters. Refer to the disclaimer))
