US operation in Iran expected to conclude in ‘weeks, not months’: Rubio

WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that US military operations against Iran are expected to conclude “in a matter of weeks, not months,” and that Washington can achieve its objectives “without any ground troops.”

“We are ahead of schedule in that operation and expect to finish it at the appropriate time, in a matter of weeks, not months. Progress is going very well,” Rubio told reporters before departing France, where he attended the G7 foreign ministers meeting.

He added that Washington is close to achieving its objectives and “finishing that job.”

“This is not going to be a prolonged conflict,” he said in response to a question, claiming the US is ahead of schedule on most objectives, including degrading Iran’s missile, drone, and military capabilities.

“We are achieving all those objectives. We are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops,” he said.

Rubio also warned that one immediate challenge after the operation could be Iran attempting to set up a “tolling system” in the Strait of Hormuz, calling such a move “illegal, unacceptable and dangerous for the world.”

“It's dangerous for the world, and it's important that the world have a plan to confront it,” 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 on 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.

Rubio says he received 'good reception' during G7 talks

On the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio said the US expects that the countries “most impacted” by its closure should be “willing to do something about it.”

“We'll help them. And that's what I said today,” he also said, adding: “And I had a good reception to that message.”

Asked whether Iran had responded to a US proposal, Rubio said no response has so far been received.

“We've got messages. We've had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system, whatever's left of it, about a willingness to talk about certain things,” he said.

He added that Washington is awaiting “further clarification” from Iran, saying the US is still seeking clarity on who the US would be talking to, and when any potential talks could take place.