Netanyahu Signals War Could End Soon as Oil Prices Fall
Lifeinmena-Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war with Iran could end sooner than many had expected, a remark that helped push global oil prices lower.
Speaking amid ongoing fighting, Netanyahu said Israel was “destroying” Iran’s capabilities and suggested the conflict was progressing faster than anticipated. “This war is ending much sooner than people think,” he said, without giving a specific timeline.
Netanyahu Signals War Could End Soon as Oil Prices Fall
His comments came as oil markets reacted, with prices falling after earlier spikes driven by fears of disruption in the Gulf. Traders also welcomed remarks from Donald Trump, who said Israeli forces would not target Iran’s energy infrastructure, easing concerns about supply shocks.
Tensions had escalated earlier in the week after an attack on a major gas field in Qatar raised fears of retaliation by Tehran against energy facilities across the region.
Despite the recent drop, oil prices remain close to $100 per barrel. Meanwhile, gas prices have surged amid concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.
Netanyahu also said Israel would work with the United States to secure the waterway. He added that Iran no longer had the capacity to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles—claims that could not be independently verified.
Earlier, oil prices had climbed as high as $119 per barrel after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on energy sites following an Israeli attack on its South Pars gas field.
When asked whether he had discussed potential strikes on Iran’s gas infrastructure with Netanyahu, Trump said he had urged Israeli officials not to target fuel production and refining facilities.
The conflict, now in its fourth week, continues to fuel uncertainty in global energy markets. Investors remain cautious, while regional tensions show little sign of easing.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron said France is working with permanent members of the UN Security Council to develop a new diplomatic framework aimed at de-escalating the crisis.
However, signs on the ground suggest the conflict may persist. Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran on Friday, while Iran reportedly carried out a drone attack on an oil refinery in Kuwait, raising concerns about further regional escalation.
