Trump says US ‘hopefully’ nearing end of war with Iran, cites direct talks

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States was “hopefully toward the end” of its war with Iran, while claiming that direct talks were taking place as Tehran urged caution over diplomatic efforts.

Trump said Iran “wants to make a deal” but did not give details of the talks or the Iranian officials involved. His remarks came as the conflict entered its seventh month and fighting raged across the region.

Iran has said any diplomatic process must guarantee its sovereignty and rights, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi separately urged Tehran and Washington to show restraint and restart talks. Iran is ready to defend its sovereignty, while also open to diplomacy, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said.

The conflict began with an Israeli and US attack on Iran on Feb. 28, followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf states with US military bases, Reuters reported.

Trump has previously said he expects the conflict to end later this year, and has insisted that Tehran wants to negotiate a position Iran has disputed.

Reports also say Trump is planning to meet Gulf Cooperation Council leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week to discuss the conflict and postwar strategy.