Ending the war with Iran has become a top White House priority despite President Donald Trump's public willingness to let the conflict continue through November's midterm elections, the Washington Post reported, citing US officials.

Trump defended the war at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, saying, “But I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election.” He also raised the possibility of deciding to “annihilate the Islamic Republic” and urged other nations to economically isolate Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was open to meeting Iranian officials at the UN, but nothing was scheduled.

Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The proposal reached Washington through mediators on Sept. 16. The official said Iran's delegation in New York had full authority to revive diplomacy and could discuss an agreement to end hostilities through mediators. Brent and US crude futures fell more than 1% after Kyodo first reported the offer.