Trump says he wants to settle the Iran standoff
The remark comes as Gulf states press him to avoid confrontation with Iran and as he weighs how far to back Saudi Arabia
Published · Updated
UpdateTuesday, September 22, 2026 at 10:45 AM ET
Trump has since urged Iran directly to make a deal, framing his push for settlement as an appeal to Tehran rather than a general statement of intent.
President Trump said he wants to settle the war, without giving further detail on terms or timing.
The comment follows Trump's opening the door to talks with Iranian officials "under right conditions." Gulf capitals plan to press him to hold back from escalating with Iran when he meets on the issue today. The White House has also said Trump plans to press the Iran and cartel case in his upcoming UN speech.
Trump is separately weighing how far to back the Saudi crown prince without deepening conflict in the Middle East, as Houthi attacks continue to hit Saudi energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has been hedging its oil loadings.
The talk of settlement eases the immediate risk of escalation, but it comes as Trump juggles competing pressures. His openness to talks has not yet produced concrete progress, and his approval ratings have fallen sharply. That combination shifts sentiment only marginally more bullish for risk assets, with execution risk still high.