US President Donald Trump has said he hopes the war with Iran is nearing an end, even as the conflict expands with fresh fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.

Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he believed an end to the war could be close, while saying Iran was interested in reaching a deal with Washington.

“Well, hopefully we are towards the end of the war.”

He added that Iran “wants to make a deal” and said he had heard directly from Iranian officials, without giving further details.

The comments came as Saudi aircraft carried out strikes in Yemen and the Houthis launched drones and missiles towards Saudi territory. The group said it had targeted the Saudi Red Sea oil port of Yanbu and an airbase at Khamis Mushait.

The Houthis have also advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, increasing concerns over shipping and energy supplies as the wider war continues. It was reported that the group’s attacks have disrupted Saudi oil infrastructure, including the East-West pipeline, which provides an alternative route for exports when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

The escalation has added pressure to global oil markets. Brent crude was trading near $108 a barrel on Wednesday before falling in early Thursday trading after reports that Saudi Arabia was offering additional crude cargoes through Oman.

The conflict has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy supplies. On Wednesday, only three commercial vessels crossed the strait, according to preliminary ship-tracking data.

The United States has also tightened its travel warning for Saudi Arabia, restricting government employees from travelling within 20 miles of the Yemen border.

Saudi Arabia has fought the Houthis since 2015, although the conflict had largely quietened after a ceasefire in recent years. Fighting has intensified again as the Houthis expand their presence along the Red Sea coast and target Saudi territory.

Trump is expected to meet Gulf leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly next week to discuss the conflict, according to Axios.

The reported meeting is expected to involve representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. The White House and State Department did not immediately comment on the report. (Arise News)