Rubio: US Operations In Iran Could End Within Weeks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled that U.S. military operations in Iran may be nearing a decisive conclusion, stating that objectives are being achieved faster than expected and that the conflict could wind down within weeks.

Speaking after high-level meetings with foreign ministers from the Group of Seven in France, Rubio emphasized that the timeline remains consistent with projections set by President Donald J. Trump and senior administration officials.

“It’s a question of weeks, not months,” Rubio said when asked about the expected duration, according to BBC reporting.

The secretary also revealed that indirect communication channels with Tehran have been active, though uncertainty remains about who, exactly, would represent the الإيراني regime in any formal negotiations.

“We’ve had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system, whatever’s left of it, about a willingness to talk about certain things,” Rubio said.

“We’re waiting for further clarification about who it is that we would be talking to, what we would be talking about, and when we will be talking,” he added.

The remarks come as the Trump administration pursues a potential diplomatic off-ramp to the conflict. Special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that a comprehensive proposal has already been delivered to Iranian officials.

“We have a 15-point deal on the table that the Iranians have had for a bit of time,” Witkoff said. “We expect an answer from them and it would solve it all.”

President Trump indicated Friday that he has deliberately held back from escalating strikes on Iran’s power infrastructure to create space for negotiations.

“Iran is being decimated,” Trump said, adding, “We are talking now. They want to make a deal.”

The conflict—launched on February 28 through coordinated U.S. and Israeli operations—has significantly degraded Iran’s leadership structure, with multiple senior figures reportedly killed. At the same time, the U.S. has reinforced its military posture in the region, ensuring it retains a full range of strategic options.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Israel of striking nuclear and industrial facilities, including key steel production sites, and warned that Tehran would impose a “heavy price” in response.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has escalated its rhetoric, threatening retaliatory attacks on infrastructure linked to both the United States and its allies, including energy and industrial assets across the region.

Global concerns have intensified around the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy markets through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply flows. G7 nations have called for full restoration of navigation rights after reports that Iran has begun restricting access—and even charging vessels for safe passage.

The disruptions have already contributed to rising energy prices, with U.S. allies in Europe and Asia particularly exposed to prolonged instability.

Rubio noted that the United Kingdom is taking the lead in organizing a multinational effort to secure maritime routes once hostilities subside. However, divisions remain among NATO allies, with some hesitant to commit naval forces, arguing that de-escalation should take priority.

In a joint statement, G7 foreign ministers called for an immediate cessation of attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, underscoring the growing humanitarian concerns surrounding the conflict.

Despite diplomatic overtures, hostilities continue to intensify. Iran has launched waves of drones and missiles targeting Israel and U.S.-aligned Gulf states, striking airports, residential zones, energy installations, and diplomatic facilities.

As the situation evolves, the Trump administration is projecting confidence that its combination of military pressure and strategic diplomacy will bring the conflict to a close on favorable terms—potentially within a matter of weeks.