US President Donald Trump has said he expects the United States to win its war with Iran “very soon”, while confirming that American officials held discussions on Monday with mediators seeking to end the conflict.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the United States would achieve victory “one way or the other” and suggested that the conflict could end relatively quickly.
Trump also predicted a sharp decline in gasoline prices once the war comes to an end.
The comments came as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continued behind the scenes. Trump has previously said he expects further negotiations with Iran this week, despite rejecting elements of Tehran's latest proposal for ending the conflict.
Trump: Gas prices will fall after war
Trump linked the future of energy prices directly to the outcome of the conflict.
He said gasoline prices would “come tumbling down” once the United States wins the war.
The remarks come amid continued concerns over energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes.
Oil markets have remained sensitive to developments in the conflict, with traders closely watching diplomatic efforts to reopen shipping routes and reduce military tensions.
Washington and Tehran remain in contact
Despite Trump's strong language about victory, diplomatic channels have remained active.
The US president said American officials had spoken with mediators attempting to bring Washington and Tehran back towards negotiations.
The latest contacts follow indirect talks involving US representatives and Iranian officials, with Qatar playing an important intermediary role.
Iran has proposed a framework involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a return to nuclear negotiations, while seeking concessions from Washington over sanctions and military restrictions.
Trump has rejected the Iranian proposal in its current form but has continued to signal that further talks are possible.
The competing positions leave the two sides facing substantial differences over the terms of any potential settlement.
Trump criticises release of five UK suspects
Trump also commented on a separate security incident in Britain involving five men arrested near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by US forces.
British counter-terrorism police subsequently released the five men on bail while the investigation continues.
Trump said he was surprised by their release and suggested that he would not have taken the same decision.
British authorities have stressed that releasing the suspects on bail does not mean the investigation has ended. Police are examining whether a foreign state or proxies could have been involved, while Iran has denied involvement.
The incident has attracted additional attention because RAF Fairford has been used by US aircraft during military operations against Iran.
British authorities have not publicly established Iranian responsibility for the alleged plot.
Trump: No discussion with Xi over US weapons sales
Trump also addressed his recent discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Asked about reports that the United States could potentially sell American weapons to China, Trump said the issue had not been discussed with Xi.
His comments came after remarks attributed to US Ambassador to China David Perdue suggesting that the possibility of China purchasing American weapons had been raised.
Trump rejected the suggestion that such a discussion had taken place, saying the matter had not been part of his conversation with the Chinese president.
A war and a diplomatic channel at the same time
Trump's latest comments underline the two-track approach surrounding the conflict.
On one side, the US president continues to speak confidently about achieving a military victory and maintaining pressure on Iran.
On the other, American officials remain engaged through intermediaries in efforts to determine whether a diplomatic settlement can be reached.
For Tehran, the major issues include the lifting of sanctions, the restoration of economic activity and arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington, meanwhile, is seeking restrictions on Iran's nuclear and military capabilities as part of any broader agreement.
Whether the two sides can bridge those differences remains uncertain.
For now, Trump is predicting a rapid end to the conflict, while diplomatic contacts continue in an effort to determine whether that outcome can be achieved through negotiations rather than further escalation.
