Rubio says Iran operation could end in weeks, rules out ground troops

The Kabul Tribune (KT) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States could achieve its objectives in Iran without deploying ground troops and expected the operation to conclude in “weeks, not months.”

According to a Reuters report, he made the remarks while speaking to reporters after meeting G7 foreign ministers in France, following a U.S.- and Israel-led conflict that began last month.

Rubio said the United States was on track to meet its goals, including targeting Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, weapons production facilities, as well as its naval and air forces. He added that recent U.S. troop deployments to the region were intended to provide President Donald Trump with additional options to respond to potential contingencies.

He said he could not provide operational details but stressed the need for flexibility in planning. Rubio also warned that Iran could introduce a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz and said countries relying on the waterway should contribute to ensuring free passage after the conflict.