The United States expects to conclude its military operations against Iran within weeks rather than months, without the need for ground troops, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced following meetings with G7 foreign ministers in Paris on Friday.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes, has now entered its second month. Rubio indicated that Washington remains on schedule to achieve its military objectives against the Iranian regime through air and naval operations alone.
We are on or ahead of schedule in that operation, and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here - a matter of weeks, not months.
Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State — France 24
While the US has begun deploying additional forces to the region, including Marines and airborne troops, Rubio emphasized these deployments are intended to provide strategic flexibility rather than prepare for a ground invasion. The troop movements are designed to give President Trump maximum operational options should circumstances change.
When we have finished with them in the next two weeks, they will be weaker than in all their recent history and unable to hide behind their weapons, or to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State — 20minutos
The ongoing conflict has significantly disrupted global energy markets, particularly through Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for nearly 20 million barrels of oil per day. Iranian forces have used their strategic position to pressure international shipping, contributing to volatility in oil and commodity prices worldwide.
Recent escalations include an Iranian missile and drone attack on the Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia, which wounded 12 American personnel and damaged military equipment. Two of the wounded service members sustained serious injuries, according to US officials.
Rubio outlined Washington's primary objectives in the campaign: dismantling Iran's military infrastructure, including missile, rocket and drone manufacturing facilities, as well as degrading the country's naval capabilities. He stressed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a central goal of the operation.
That these people would get nuclear weapons would be madness. Look at what they are willing to do with the weapons they have now. They attack embassies, they attack hotels. Imagine if these radical lunatics had a nuclear weapon to threaten the world.
Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State — 20minutos
The Secretary of State also called on European and Asian allies to contribute more to securing maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that these nations benefit significantly from the trade route. He warned that Iran might attempt to impose shipping tolls through the strait even after the conflict concludes.
President Trump has indicated he seeks a diplomatic resolution to wind down the war, claiming Iran is negotiating with the US, though Iranian officials have denied any direct talks are underway. The administration has set deadlines for Iran to reopen key shipping lanes and engage in meaningful negotiations.