The United States expects its military operations against Iran to conclude within “weeks, not months,” and can achieve its objectives without deploying ground troops, secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Friday. Speaking after meetings with G7 counterparts in France, Rubio said Washington was “on or ahead of schedule in that operation, and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here – a matter of weeks, not months.”He added that while some troops are being sent to the region, it is “to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust the contingencies, should they emerge.”
His remarks come even as the conflict continues to widen across the Middle East. A US official told Reuters that an Iranian missile and drone strike on the Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia wounded 12 American personnel, including two seriously, and damaged military equipment. The conflict, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli airstrikes, has disrupted global energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly 20 million barrels of oil per day. Iran’s ability to threaten shipping has contributed to volatility in oil and commodity markets. Rubio said discussions with G7 foreign ministers also covered the risk of Iran imposing shipping tolls through the strait even after the conflict. He suggested that European and Asian countries benefiting from the route should contribute to ensuring free passage.The US has begun deploying additional forces to the region, including thousands of Marines and airborne troops, raising concerns about a potential escalation into a prolonged ground conflict. However, president Donald Trump has indicated he is seeking to wind down the war and pursue a diplomatic solution.Trump has said Iran is negotiating with the US and is “begging” for a deal, though officials in Tehran have denied that any direct talks are underway. He has also set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face further attacks on its civilian energy infrastructure.US special envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington expects a response soon to a 15-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict, which includes demands related to Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Meanwhile, fresh strikes were reported across Iran, including on nuclear-related facilities and industrial sites. Iranian authorities said there were no radiation leaks following attacks on a yellowcake uranium facility, a claim also noted by the International Atomic Energy Agency.The conflict has led to significant casualties and economic disruption. More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, while oil prices have surged, with Brent crude crossing $112 a barrel. In the United States, fuel prices have also risen sharply, adding to inflation concerns. Despite the damage inflicted, US intelligence estimates suggest only about a third of Iran’s missile arsenal has been destroyed, indicating the country retains significant strike capability.As the war continues, Gulf countries have called for any eventual agreement to include long-term curbs on Iran’s missile and drone capabilities and safeguards to prevent future disruptions to global energy supplies.
