Donald Trump is preparing critical consultations with leaders of Gulf countries in New York, as Washington attempts to shape strategy for the day after the war with Iran. At the same time, the US President claims that Tehran has sent a direct message seeking a deal, while the House of Representatives approved a new sanctions package against Russia and Iran.
Axios: Trump meeting with Gulf foreign ministers
According to Axios, three sources with knowledge of the matter reported that Donald Trump is expected on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, to meet with Gulf state leaders. The main focus of the meeting is expected to be the next steps in the war with Iran. The meeting, according to the same sources, is expected to center on American proposals for the post-war strategy, as Trump and his senior team work on a plan for the "day after." The plan is expected to be finalized after the US midterm elections.
Focus on the "day after"
The Gulf states are expected to play a major role in upcoming developments. According to Axios, regional countries hosting US military bases have suffered significant economic losses due to disruptions in oil and gas exports, while also facing major attacks from Iran. The countries expected to be represented at the meeting are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The US State Department reportedly sent out the first invitations for the meeting on Wednesday. One source noted that the gathering could expand to include other Arab and Muslim leaders.
Benjamin Netanyahu also in the "frame"
According to an Israeli source cited by Axios, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also wishes to meet with Donald Trump in New York. However, no specific meeting between the two leaders has been scheduled so far.
The Gaza precedent
Axios recalls that last year, during the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump met with leaders of eight Arab and Muslim countries. During that meeting, he presented them with a draft of his Gaza peace plan, which he announced publicly a week later. Shortly thereafter, an agreement was reached to end the war.
Trump: "We hope we're getting close to the end of the war"
Donald Trump stated on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, that he hopes the war with Iran is coming to an end. "We hope we're getting close to the end of the war," he stated, while repeating the claim that Iran desires to reach a deal. When a reporter asked whether he had received a direct message from the Iranian side, Trump replied affirmatively. The US President further maintained that the war with Iran will end soon. "They call and say, 'We want to make a deal.' They're not quite ready yet," he noted. At the same time, he claimed the US could reach an agreement whenever it chooses. Trump also linked war developments to gasoline prices, stating that increased costs are a "very small price to pay" for what he claimed the US has accomplished.
Trump: "Iran cannot keep this up"
Donald Trump further argued that Iran cannot continue on its current course. "Iran cannot keep this up. Watch what happens in Iran. The end will be very good," he stated. The statements by the US President were not accompanied, according to the report, by details regarding the content of the message he claims to have received from the Iranian side.
New Iran - Turkey communication
At the same time, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held consultations in China. In a post on platform "X," Araghchi stated that he held successful talks with Chinese partners. "Iran attaches special importance and value to the strategic partnership we have built and strengthened with China over the years," he noted. He added that decisions made today will shape the future strategic balance in the region and bring "numerous and far-reaching consequences." He also emphasized the importance of the four principles for peace presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Mike Johnson: "We are in the process of ending the war"
For his part, US House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that the US is in the process of ending the war with Iran. As he stated, the ongoing conflict has affected, among other things, gasoline prices. Johnson specifically referenced the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which he said has not yet fully and safely opened for trade, while noting that impact is also felt in the Red Sea. According to him, resolving the issue in the Strait of Hormuz will have a direct impact on food costs, as shipping expenses for goods heading to market are directly affected.
New US legislation with sanctions against Russia and Iran
Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed by a vote of 262 to 159 the "Lindsey Graham Sanctions for Russia and Iran Act of 2026." The bill was sent to Donald Trump for presidential signature. Among other measures, it provides for sanctions against Russia's so-called "shadow fleet", while authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on five of the largest buyers of Russian energy products. In addition, it extends the authority of the 1996 US Iran Sanctions Act and introduces supplementary measures against Russia and Iran.
The upcoming period
Developments are expected to center on Donald Trump's upcoming meetings with Gulf leaders and foreign ministers in New York, alongside efforts by the US administration to frame the "day after" the war. At the same time, Trump's claim that Tehran seeks a deal with Washington remains at the forefront, with no further details on the alleged message made public by the American side.
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