U.S. Eyes Swift End to War as Fresh Attacks Hit Gulf States and Iran

The United States is signaling that its war with Iran could end within weeks, even as fresh attacks continue to escalate tensions across the Gulf region.

President Donald Trump said Washington could withdraw from the conflict “within two to three weeks,” indicating that a formal diplomatic agreement with Tehran may not be required to bring hostilities to a close.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that position, suggesting that while talks could happen, the administration already sees “the finish line” approaching.

Despite the push for a rapid end, violence intensified overnight across the region. Drone strikes hit fuel facilities at Kuwait’s international airport, sparking a major fire, while an Iranian attack caused a blaze at a site in Bahrain. A tanker was also damaged near Qatar, underscoring ongoing risks to shipping and energy infrastructure.

At the same time, U.S. and Israeli forces carried out fresh airstrikes on targets in Tehran, including infrastructure near key port facilities. Iranian air defenses were activated in response, with explosions reported across the capital.

The conflict, now in its fifth week, has increasingly drawn in regional actors. Iran aligned groups, including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have expanded the battlefield, while Gulf states hosting U.S. bases have faced repeated retaliatory strikes.

A major concern remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil passes. Disruptions and security threats in the waterway have contributed to volatile oil prices and broader economic uncertainty.

Domestically, pressure is mounting on Washington to end the war quickly. A recent poll shows a majority of Americans favor a swift exit, even if key objectives are not fully achieved, reflecting growing concern over rising fuel costs and economic strain.

While U.S. officials project confidence that the conflict is nearing its conclusion, continued attacks across the Gulf highlight the fragility of the situation and the risk that further escalation could complicate efforts to bring the war to an end.