US could meet Iran war objectives in weeks, says Rubio

WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that Washington is close to achieving its objectives in Iran “in a matter of weeks,” adding that President Donald Trump has “a number of options available” to prevent Iran from controlling the Strait of Hormuz.

During an interview with ABC News, Rubio said that the US is focused on the “destruction” of Iran’s air force, navy, and factories where they make all their weapons, as well as the substantial reduction in the number of missiles they possess.

“All of those objectives are being met, on or ahead of schedule and should be able to achieve in a matter of weeks,” he said.

On the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio said Trump has “a number of options available” to prevent Iran from imposing control or a tolling system on the vital waterway.

“The president has a number of options available to him if he so chooses to prevent that from happening. … Obviously, I’m not going to discuss what those options are, and we’re not going to discuss military tactics,” he added.

The US and Israel have been carrying out airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.

At least 13 US service members have been killed since the war began, and the conflict has driven up energy prices and affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical global oil chokepoint, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through it.

The US has sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war and outlined steps regarding Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran rejected the proposal and outlined five conditions for ending the war, including a halt to attacks, guarantees against renewed conflict, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and reparations for war damages.