President Donald Trump is set to meet with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders next week to discuss the endgame of the ongoing Iran conflict. The talks are scheduled for next Tuesday in New York alongside the UN General Assembly. Axios reported the meetings on Wednesday.

Diplomatic engagement on Iran

The planned discussions bring together Trump and leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The report indicates the meetings are scheduled for next week, though specific agenda details were not provided in the initial information. State Department officials reportedly sent out initial invitations on Wednesday. The meeting may also include other Arab and Muslim leaders.

Postwar strategy and timeline

The talks are predicted to focus on U.S. strategies for a postwar scenario. Trump and his senior team are developing a "day-after" plan, which is likely to be finalized after the midterms, according to people familiar with the matter. Trump told reporters in North Carolina on Wednesday that the U.S. is "hopefully" nearing the end of its nearly seven-month war with Iran. He added that Iran wants to make a deal.

Last week, Trump stated the Iran war would end after the November midterm elections. He accused Tehran of trying to influence the vote to protect its nuclear ambitions. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Regional pressure and trade disruptions

Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases have suffered significant Iranian attacks and economic losses due to disruptions in oil and natural gas exports during the war. The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia and launched a ground offensive to gain control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought U.S. military support against the Houthis. Trump declined direct strikes but offered intelligence assistance.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that Iran is using its Houthi allies in Yemen to increase pressure on the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. He described this as a strategy to preserve Tehran’s regime.

Iran’s efforts to bypass the U.S. blockade by shifting trade overland are faltering. Truck drivers face growing bureaucratic hurdles and costs at borders with Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, according to the Wall Street Journal. U.S. sanctions and strikes have also disrupted Iran’s seaborne exports. Mahan Air suspended flights to Oman and Turkey following additional sanctions. The blockade is restricting imports of basic goods, with shippers reluctant to serve Iran despite exemptions for food and humanitarian supplies.

President Donald Trump warned that the United States could impose very heavy tariffs on the European Union if Canada becomes an associate member of the bloc.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump dismissed the prospect as laughable and cautioned that any perceived hostile act would trigger severe trade measures or a cessation of trading on multiple fronts.

Trade War Escalation

Trump stated that if he sensed bad intention behind the move, the US might impose serious tariffs on Europe or stop trading with the bloc on many things. He referred to Canada as a terrible trade partner during the interaction.

The remarks followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement that she wants to open the door for Canada as the bloc’s first associate member. The discussions cover advanced manufacturing, AI, batteries, energy, critical minerals, Arctic projects and defense-industry integration.

Von der Leyen called for an Alliance for the Future focused on shared prosperity and economic security. She emphasized that this is a partnership not against anyone else.

Canada Seeks Diversification

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney clarified that Canada is not seeking EU membership but aims to establish a unique alliance with the bloc based on shared values. Carney is set to speak before the European Parliament on Thursday.

As trade tensions with the US intensify, Canada is accelerating efforts to diversify its trade partnerships. The breakdown of US-Canada trade talks has deepened a tariff dispute affecting billions of dollars in cross-border commerce.