Trump to Convene Gulf Leaders in New York as Iran War Enters Final Phase

Key points

• The State Department sent initial invitations on Wednesday for a meeting next Tuesday in New York, coinciding with the UN General Assembly, involving leaders or foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
• Trump stated on Wednesday that the US is 'hopefully' nearing the end of the war, claiming direct communication with Iran indicates Tehran wants a deal, though he also warned of a 'big decision' regarding potential military escalation.
• The conflict, which began on February 28, has expanded into Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthis are attacking Saudi Arabia and seeking control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, further disrupting global energy markets.
• Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline was shut following a drone attack, causing oil price volatility; Brent crude fell to $104.28 per barrel as the kingdom arranged alternative shipments via Oman’s Sohar port.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks a meeting with Trump in New York, but no date has been scheduled, according to an Israeli source.

Background

Recent diplomatic efforts have been complicated by internal Iranian divisions, with hard-liners reportedly sabotaging negotiations while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains unseen. Earlier this month, Gulf states and Iran discussed an Oman-backed plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without US participation, though Washington insists any resolution must include broader discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. Trump’s previous threats toward Oman also unsettled regional mediators seeking dialogue with Tehran.

How outlets are covering it

Axios and CNBC emphasize the diplomatic push, noting that the meeting could expand to include other Arab and Muslim leaders and that a postwar strategy is being developed, potentially finalized after the US midterm elections in November. The Jerusalem Post highlights the military dimension, reporting that Iran recently shot down at least two US MQ-1 drones and that Trump is weighing a decision to 'annihilate' Iran. While Axios and CNBC focus on the economic impact of the war, including the closure of Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline and the resulting oil market fluctuations, The Jerusalem Post underscores the ongoing military escalations and drone strikes. All sources agree that the conflict is expanding, but they differ in emphasis: Axios and CNBC view the New York talks as a potential path to de-escalation, while The Jerusalem Post frames the situation as a high-stakes military decision point.

Why it matters

The outcome of these talks will determine the trajectory of a conflict that has already lasted nearly seven months and disrupted global energy supplies. A failure to reach a deal could prolong the war into 2028, while a successful agreement might stabilize oil markets and reduce tensions in the Gulf and Yemen. The economic costs for Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, are mounting, making a resolution urgent for regional stability and global energy security.

What to watch

The meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday in New York. The White House has declined to comment, and it remains unclear what Washington will require of Gulf states or Iran postwar. Analysts warn that if Iran is not willing to negotiate after the US midterms, the war could continue for years. Repairs to Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline are critical to preventing a prolonged supply gap.