U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Iran’s president had expressed a desire for a ceasefire, making the announcement on his Truth Social platform ahead of a nationally televised address to the American people. Iran offered no immediate response to Trump’s post.
The statement came as the United States continued a significant military buildup in the region. The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, along with three destroyers, is set to deploy to the Middle East — a strike group comprising more than 6,000 sailors. Separately, thousands of soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division have also begun arriving in the region, according to U.S. officials.
On the diplomatic front, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will host an international conference this week focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Starmer confirmed that 35 countries have signed a joint statement pledging cooperation to restore maritime security to the vital oil shipping route.
Meanwhile, the economic toll of the conflict is being felt at home. U.S. gas prices crossed an average of $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, driven by war-related pressure on global fuel markets. Analysts warn that rising transportation and packaging costs will soon push grocery prices higher as well.