The United States signalled that the war with Iran could end soon, even as fresh attacks were reported across the Gulf region and inside Iran.
President Donald Trump said Washington could withdraw from what it calls “Operation Epic Fury” within weeks, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that diplomatic engagement with Tehran’s leadership could still take place.
Washington signals possible exit timeline
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said the United States could begin leaving the conflict “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three”.
Asked whether diplomatic success was required before ending the operation, he said it was not necessary.
“Iran doesn’t have to make a deal,” Trump said.
The White House also announced that the president would address the nation on Wednesday evening to provide an update on the situation.
Rubio told Fox News that a meeting between the two sides could take place “at some point” and that the United States could “see the finish line”, although not immediately.
Attacks reported across Gulf states and Iran
Despite signals from Washington about a possible end to the conflict, attacks were reported early Wednesday in several locations.
Drones struck fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport, causing a large fire, while authorities in Bahrain reported a blaze at a company facility following what they described as an Iranian attack.
A tanker was also struck by an unidentified projectile near Doha, the capital of Qatar, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency, which said the vessel’s hull was damaged but the crew remained safe.
Explosions were also reported in several areas of Tehran following U.S. and Israeli air strikes, Iranian state media said, adding that air defence systems had been activated.
Iranian authorities also reported an overnight strike at Shahid Haghani Port in Bandar Abbas, the country’s largest passenger terminal on the Gulf. Local officials said there were no casualties.
Regional tensions and economic concerns
Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases have repeatedly been targeted during the conflict, raising concerns about potential disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Oil markets were relatively subdued as trading resumed in Asia on Wednesday, although global stock markets rose amid hopes of de-escalation. Wall Street recorded strong gains on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 rising 2.9%.
Iran says messages from US are not negotiations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he had received direct messages from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff but said these should not be interpreted as negotiations.
According to Iranian statements reported by Al Jazeera, the communications included threats and exchanges of views delivered through intermediaries.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also warned that several U.S. companies operating in the region could be targeted from Wednesday evening, naming technology and aerospace firms among potential targets.
Trump dismissed concerns about the threats when asked by reporters.
Wider conflict continues
Israel’s military said it had carried out more than 800 strike sorties against Iranian targets since the start of the war, using around 16,000 munitions.
The Israeli military also reported the launch of a missile from Yemen towards Israel, which air defence systems attempted to intercept.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has recently joined the conflict by launching missiles at Israel in support of Tehran.
In Lebanon, at least seven people were killed and 24 wounded in two Israeli strikes in the Beirut area, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
Israel’s military said the strikes targeted senior members of the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group, although it did not confirm whether the individuals had been killed.