Trump hopes Iran war nearing end as Houthi-Saudi fighting escalates
President Trump expressed hope for an end to the ongoing conflict with Iran as fighting between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels intensifies. The war has significantly impacted global oil supplies and fuel prices, causing economic strain.
Why it matters
The escalation of this conflict threatens global energy security and has pushed fuel prices to record highs, impacting international markets.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he hoped an end to the war against Iran was near, as the conflict, in its seventh month, escalated with Saudi aircraft pounding Yemen and Houthi fighters launching drones and missiles at Saudi cities.
The Iran-backed Houthis' lightning advance in Yemen along the Red Sea and their attacks on Saudi Arabia, along with attacks that damaged Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, have extended Tehran's reach in the war and heightened global oil-supply risks.
As the war expands into a new theatre, the United States tightened its travel warning for Saudi Arabia, banning government employees from travelling within 30 km (20 miles) of the Yemen border.
Still, just hours after reports of the Houthis and Saudi Arabia fighting, Mr. Trump told reporters on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) evening: "Well, hopefully we are towards the end of the war."
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