Donald Trump has said the conflict with Iran could be nearing its conclusion, hinting at a possible second round of face-to-face talks in Pakistan in the coming days.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump suggested that a resolution could come quickly, describing the next few days as decisive while expressing a preference for a diplomatic outcome.
“I think a deal is preferable,” he said, while adding that the war “could end either way.”
The comments come as the United States military continues enforcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime trade, now entering its second day. Officials say the operation has effectively halted sea-based economic activity involving Iran.
The blockade has significantly reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which a large share of the world’s oil supply passes.
Iranian military officials have responded by warning they will assert control over the strait, the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, with restrictions expected on vessels linked to adversaries.
Authorities in Tehran have also signalled plans to impose transit charges and tighter controls on ships moving through the waterway, describing the measures as part of a broader security doctrine.
Analysts say Iran may be using the strait as leverage in ongoing negotiations, linking regional security concerns with economic pressure in talks with Washington.
Meanwhile, Trump indicated he is not considering extending the current ceasefire, raising uncertainty about what may follow once the truce expires.
The conflict has already had global economic repercussions.
South Korea has secured alternative oil supplies from multiple countries to cushion against disruptions, as around 70 percent of its crude imports typically pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Monetary Fund has warned that prolonged instability could trigger a global economic slowdown, with oil prices potentially rising above $100 per barrel under adverse scenarios.
IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said continued energy shocks could significantly reduce global growth, pushing the world closer to recession.
Diplomatic tensions have also escalated beyond the battlefield.
Trump has intensified criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the Vatican’s stance on the war, while also targeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for declining to support US military action.
Despite the rising tensions, questions remain over key claims surrounding the conflict, including disputed casualty figures from protests in Iran and ongoing concerns about the country’s nuclear programme.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has said there is no evidence that Iran is currently building a nuclear weapon.
With military pressure intensifying and diplomacy still uncertain, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the conflict moves toward resolution or further escalation.
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