US Aims to Conclude Iran Operation Within Weeks Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio anticipates the military operation against Iran will conclude in weeks, as Israel threatens to escalate attacks and Iran continues missile strikes.
The United States anticipates concluding its military operation against Iran within "weeks, not months," according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking after a meeting with G7 foreign ministers in France, Rubio stated, "When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than they’ve been in recent history."
The operation, initiated on February 28, 2026, began with a surprise strike that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Since then, the conflict has escalated, with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran launching missile and drone attacks on Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of escalating attacks, stating, "Despite the warnings, the firing continues. And therefore attacks in Iran will escalate and expand to additional targets and areas that assist the regime in building and operating weapons against Israeli citizens."
The conflict has led to significant casualties. In Israel, 18 people have died, including four soldiers in Lebanon. Thirteen US military members have been killed, along with civilians in the Gulf region. In Iran, over 1,900 people have been killed, with at least 20,000 injured, according to Maria Martinez of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point, with Iran maintaining a blockade that has disrupted global oil shipments. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported turning back three ships attempting to transit the strait, stating that all shipping "to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies" is prohibited.
Rubio acknowledged the challenge of reopening the strait, emphasizing the need for a global plan to address the situation. He noted that the UK is taking a "prominent role" in efforts to ensure the strait remains open to shipping.
The US has deployed thousands of Marines and elite airborne troops to the region, potentially preparing for military actions to reopen the waterway. Iran has threatened to attack strategic locations, including Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu and the Fujairah oil complex in the United Arab Emirates, should a ground invasion occur.
President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran, stating that if the strait is not reopened by April 6, he will order the destruction of Iran’s energy plants. This deadline follows a previous ultimatum that was set for last Monday.
The G7 foreign ministers have called for "an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure" and emphasized the necessity to restore safe and toll-free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.