Trump Predicts Iran Conflict Resolution Within Weeks; Rubio Calls for NATO Review

President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that U.S. military operations in Iran are expected to conclude within two to three weeks. He emphasized that the responsibility for maintaining open passage through the Strait of Hormuz should fall on the nations that depend on it, remarking, "That's not for us ... That'll be for whoever's using the strait."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the United States might need to reevaluate its relationship with NATO following the conflict in Iran. He expressed concerns about the alliance's current effectiveness, stating, "I do think, unfortunately, we are going to have to re-examine whether or not this alliance that has served this country well for a while is still serving that purpose." Rubio further noted, "If now we have reached a point where the NATO alliance means that we can't use [U.S. military bases in Europe]... then NATO is a one-way street."

In related developments, Israel's military reported conducting a "wide-scale wave of strikes" on Tehran early Wednesday. Additionally, an Israeli military drone was downed by a surface-to-air missile during operations in southern Lebanon on Tuesday night.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced support measures for businesses affected by rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict. The package includes more flexible tax payment plans and the suspension of penalties on unpaid tax debts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to address the nation to encourage fuel conservation efforts.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that two-thirds of Americans believe the U.S. should expedite its withdrawal from the Iran conflict, even if it means not achieving all initial objectives. Meanwhile, Asian markets experienced significant gains, with South Korea's Kospi rising 6.4% and Tokyo's Nikkei 225 increasing by 4%, following optimism about a potential resolution to the conflict.

The U.S. is deploying additional troops to the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and three destroyers, totaling over 6,000 personnel. Israel reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, and Iran's state broadcaster reported attacks in northern, eastern, and central Tehran. A drone attack caused a fire at Kuwait International Airport, and Saudi Arabia intercepted two drones. Bahrain reported a fire at a business facility due to an Iranian attack, and a tanker was attacked off the coast of Qatar.

Israeli strikes in southern Beirut resulted in seven fatalities, according to Lebanon's health ministry. An American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, was kidnapped in Baghdad by a suspected Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group. The Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates is considering assisting the U.S. in forcibly reopening the Strait of Hormuz and is lobbying for a UN Security Council resolution to authorize such action.