Trump to Meet Gulf Leaders at UN on Iran Strategy

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with leaders from Gulf nations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next Tuesday to discuss strategy regarding Iran. The meeting, reported by Axios citing three sources familiar with the matter, will focus on U.S. ideas for a post-war regional strategy. Trump and his senior staff are reportedly finalizing a plan that is expected to be completed after the upcoming midterm elections.

Sources told Axios that Trump will meet with leaders or foreign ministers from the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. One source indicated the meeting might expand to include other Arab and Muslim leaders. The White House declined to comment on the report.

This development comes just hours after Trump told reporters that he believes the conflict with Iran is nearing its end and that Tehran is eager for a deal with Washington. "I hope we are nearing the end of the war. Iran very much wants to reach a deal," Trump stated. When asked about recent contact with Iranian officials, he said it was not direct.

Last week, Trump estimated that the confrontation with Iran would conclude shortly after the November midterm elections, asserting that Iran "cannot hold out much longer" and accusing Tehran of prolonging the conflict to influence the election results.