Trump says US-Iran war may be nearing end, calls for deal

US President Donald Trump said Thursday (September 17) that the United States may be nearing the end of its seven-month war with Iran, claiming that he has been in direct contact with Iranian officials and that Tehran is interested in reaching a deal.

Trump did not disclose details of the reported contacts or outline the terms of any potential agreement. No formal ceasefire or peace deal has been announced by either side.

His remarks came a day after he said the conflict was “hopefully” nearing its end and suggested Iran was open to negotiations. Trump is also expected to meet leaders or foreign ministers from Gulf Cooperation Council countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week to discuss plans related to Iran.

Tehran has not publicly confirmed direct negotiations with Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, said during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing that Iran was prepared to defend its sovereignty and security while remaining open to diplomatic solutions that protect its rights.

China has urged both sides to exercise restraint, revive the interim peace framework reached in June and resume substantive negotiations. Wang also called for rebuilding the negotiation mechanism and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, warning against further regional spillover into Yemen and the Red Sea.

The latest statements point to renewed diplomatic activity, but there has been no publicly confirmed breakthrough toward ending the conflict. The reported US-Iran contacts, Tehran’s cautious stance and Beijing’s push for renewed talks are now central to efforts to ease the confrontation.