U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Washington has held direct talks with Iran and suggested the hostilities involving Tehran may be drawing to a close, telling reporters the United States was "hopefully toward the end" of the conflict.
The president's comments, which were made as global energy prices remain high, represent a striking public assertion of diplomatic engagement between the two adversaries. It was not immediately possible to verify the claim of direct talks, and there was no immediate confirmation from Iranian officials or other governments.
Markets and policymakers have closely monitored the conflict for its potential to disrupt energy supplies; elevated prices since the onset of hostilities have been a recurring concern. Any credible movement toward de-escalation could ease market anxieties, while conflicting signals or a lack of verification could sustain volatility.
Analysts and diplomats said that, if confirmed, direct U.S.-Iran contacts would mark a notable shift in the dynamics of recent months. Observers will be looking for follow-up statements, official communiqués, or multilateral engagement that could corroborate the president's account and outline a path toward negotiations or a ceasefire.
For now, uncertainty remains. Washington's public remarks contributed to a mix of cautious optimism and calls for verification from international actors, who emphasized the need for clear, institutional channels to sustain any progress toward de-escalation.