Iran war could last another year, Trump envoy warns as oil prices continue rising
Waltz outlines war aims
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the Financial Times that the conflict with Iran could last another year. He said he hopes Iran will “come to the table,” according to the report.
Waltz said the United States would not meet its key goals until Iran disposes of its highly enriched uranium and accepts a meaningful agreement on domestic enrichment. He also said President Trump and the U.S. Navy could maintain a blockade on Iranian ports for the foreseeable future, while the administration continues tightening economic pressure.
Oil routes face uncertainty
Saudi Aramco said Thursday that oil moving through its East-West pipeline had risen from 2 million to 7 million barrels per day. The route bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, where uncertainty continues to affect regional exports.
Before the war, about 20% of global oil supplies passed through the strait. Iran has warned commercial vessels to seek authorization and use a northern route near its coast, while the United States and Iran have each claimed at times to have halted traffic violating their respective blockades.
Claims of attacks disputed
Iranian state television said Friday, citing an unnamed source close to the IRGC Navy, that movement by “non-compliant” vessels through the Strait of Hormuz had stopped completely. Iran also claimed Thursday that it struck four ships and that three others hit sea mines in U.S.-designated shipping lanes.
The seven incidents claimed by Iran have not been corroborated, according to the report. President Trump accused Tehran of inventing attacks on ships to push oil prices higher.
Regional tensions and diplomacy
Foreign ministers from seven nations are due to meet in Istanbul Friday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, Middle East crises and the war in Ukraine. British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband’s office said he would press for a diplomatic resolution restoring navigational rights and freedoms.
Saudi Arabia postponed two forums scheduled for Riyadh next month—the U.N. World Data Forum and the Saudi Statistical Forum—until 2027. The Future Investment Initiative, also known as “Davos in the Desert,” was previously pushed back to 2027 amid regional tensions and deadly Houthi attacks on the kingdom.
Key points
- Mike Waltz says the Iran war could last another year and sets out U.S. demands for Tehran.
- Iran’s claims of attacks on ships have not been corroborated, while Trump accused Tehran of fabricating them.
- Foreign ministers will discuss the Strait of Hormuz and regional crises in Istanbul.