US Officials Predict War with Iran Could End Within Weeks as Oil Prices Surge

Officials in the United States said on Sunday they expect the ongoing war involving the US and Israel against Iran to end within weeks, expressing hope that global energy prices will fall once the conflict subsides.

The comments come as oil prices remain elevated and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy markets. The narrow waterway is one of the most critical routes for international oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Donald Trump warned over the weekend that additional strikes could be carried out against Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub. Trump said he was not ready to pursue a deal to end the war and claimed US strikes had already caused extensive damage to facilities on the island.

“We may hit it a few more times,” Trump said in an interview with NBC News, adding that previous strikes had “totally demolished” much of the infrastructure there.

The conflict, which has entered its third week, has triggered major concerns about global oil supplies. Crude prices have hovered around $100 per barrel as traders react to uncertainty across the region.

Despite the turmoil, US officials have predicted the conflict may end relatively soon. Chris Wright said the administration believes energy markets will stabilize once the fighting subsides.

“This conflict will certainly come to an end in the next few weeks, possibly sooner,” Wright said during an interview with ABC’s “This Week.” He added that oil supply would recover and prices would likely fall once shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes.

Washington is also working with several countries to form a naval coalition to escort commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. According to reports, the plan could be announced as early as this week, although discussions continue about whether escort operations will begin before or after the fighting ends.

Iran, however, rejected claims that it is seeking negotiations. Abbas Araqchi said Tehran remains prepared to defend itself and denied that the country had asked for a ceasefire.

“We have never asked for negotiations,” Araqchi said during an interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation.” He added that Iran was “stable and strong” and ready to continue defending itself if the conflict persists.

The war has also expanded across the region. Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted Israeli locations and US military bases, while Israeli forces have carried out strikes on Iranian military infrastructure.

International leaders are increasingly concerned about the impact on global trade and energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, and its disruption has shaken markets and forced governments to consider emergency measures to stabilize supply.

Several countries are now exploring coordinated efforts to secure shipping routes and restore navigation in the Gulf, though officials warn that the economic and geopolitical consequences of the conflict could continue even after the fighting stops.