US expects Iran operation to end in ‘weeks, not months’, says Marco Rubio
US expects Iran operation to end in ‘weeks, not months’, says Marco Rubio
The White House anticipates that its military campaign against Iran will conclude within weeks, not months, according to State Department officials. This assertion comes despite ongoing conflict in the region and Israel’s warning to intensify its assaults on the Islamic republic. During a press briefing on Friday, following a meeting with G7 foreign ministers in France, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran would be “weaker than it has been in recent history” after the operation’s completion.
Conflicting Signals and Regional Tension
The joint offensive between the US and Israel, launched on 28 February, began with a surprise attack that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. While US officials have offered mixed messages about the duration of the campaign, Iran remains resolute, rejecting claims that diplomatic talks are progressing. In Beirut, an Israeli strike at midnight killed two individuals, as reported by local authorities, while Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israeli territory. “Despite the warnings, the firing continues,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, emphasizing that attacks will widen to areas supporting Iran’s military capabilities.
“When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than they’ve been in recent history,” Rubio said.
Strategic Strikes and Economic Concerns
Recent strikes focused on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including a heavy-water facility and a yellowcake production site, as per the official Iranian news agency. These facilities are critical for nuclear reactors and uranium processing, respectively. The attacks caused no casualties or environmental damage, according to Iranian officials. Meanwhile, the US has deployed thousands of Marines and elite troops to the region, potentially preparing for operations to secure the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway for global oil shipments.
“Not only is this illegal, it’s unacceptable … and it’s important that the world have a plan,” Rubio added.
Trump’s Ultimatum and Iranian Defiance
President Donald Trump has imposed a deadline, threatening to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure if the strait remains blocked by 6 April. The ultimatum follows Iran’s continued control of the strait, where the Revolutionary Guard Corps intercepted three vessels and barred shipping from allies of the US and Israel. “Step on to Iranian soil, and $150 becomes the floor for oil,” warned Esmael Saghab Esfahani, an Iranian vice-president, in a social media post, referencing potential attacks on Saudi and UAE oil facilities if a ground invasion occurs.
Economic Fallout and Strategic Objectives
Global markets have been affected by the escalating conflict, with Iran’s grip on Hormuz creating ripple effects beyond the Middle East. The IRGC’s actions highlight its strategy to disrupt international trade, even as the US pushes for the strait’s re-opening. Rubio noted that Iran may attempt to impose tolls on maritime traffic, which could harm economies worldwide. The operation’s success in weakening Iran’s military posture is seen as crucial to maintaining access to critical oil routes.
Reuters reported that the US could only confirm the targeting of specific Iranian sites, including the Shahid Khondab heavy-water complex and the Ardakan yellowcake plant, without further details on casualties. Continued strikes also aimed at Iran’s missile capabilities, with Israel claiming to have hit production sites and storage facilities in the western part of the country.
