The United States military operation against Iran appears to be entering its final phase, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing Friday that Washington expects to conclude its activities within weeks without deploying ground forces.
We expect this military operation to wrap up within weeks without the need for ground troops
Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
The timeline comes as Iran has closed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and threatened to impose transit fees on vessels seeking passage through the narrow waterway, which handles approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments. The closure has prompted concerns about energy supply disruptions and increased shipping costs worldwide.
Rubio indicated that US allies have expressed willingness to participate in escort operations to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the strait. The international support suggests broader concern about Iran's control over the critical maritime chokepoint that connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.
The development coincides with heightened diplomatic activity among G7 nations, which have adopted a joint declaration addressing the Iran situation and calling for immediate de-escalation. The coordinated international response reflects the global implications of Iran's actions in the strategically important waterway.
British coverage focuses on diplomatic aspects, highlighting allied cooperation in potential escort operations and Iran's threats to charge transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz.