Trump vows quick end to Iran war as fighting in Yemen intensifies

Investing.com -- US President Donald Trump said he expects to end the war with Iran quickly, either through negotiations or military action, as fighting intensified in Yemen and fresh threats to shipping raised concerns over regional energy supplies.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, Trump said the conflict would be resolved "very quick, one way or the other", warning Tehran that "either they give us everything or they do not exist any longer".

Trump reiterated that oil prices would fall sharply once the conflict ends, claiming that more oil was passing through the Strait of Hormuz than before the war. He also urged refiners and fuel retailers to lower prices.

The remarks followed his announcement that Washington would refrain from launching fresh strikes against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, although he has left open the possibility of renewed military action afterwards.

Diplomatic efforts also continued, with the Kremlin saying Trump welcomed Russian involvement in efforts to reach an Iran settlement following discussions with President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition said it had destroyed 136 Houthi military targets in Yemen during a major offensive, including missile launch facilities and radar installations.

Yemen’s internationally recognised government separately claimed its forces conducted more than 2,750 strikes over 24 hours, neutralising over 1,400 Houthi fighters. The figures could not be independently verified.

The escalation followed Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, where three Saudi nationals were killed.

Shipping risks also persisted after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for striking the LPG carrier NV Sunshine near the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC warned that vessels using unauthorised routes could face attacks beyond the strategic waterway.

US Central Command separately said American forces had redirected 133 commercial vessels under Washington’s blockade against Iran.

Oil prices fell on Friday following Trump’s pledge to avoid new strikes before the elections, with Brent crude dropping 1.1% to $103.18 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate declining 0.5% to $91.00 by 13:30 GMT.