The United States expects its military operation against Iran to conclude within weeks rather than months, with Washington confident it can achieve all objectives without deploying ground troops, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday following meetings with G7 foreign ministers in France.
Speaking to reporters after the diplomatic gathering, Rubio indicated that the operation, which began February 28 with coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran's supreme leader and other senior officials, is proceeding according to plan. The conflict has now entered its second month amid growing international concerns about regional stability and global economic impacts.
We're on or ahead of schedule in that operation, and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here - a matter of weeks, not months
Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State — France 24
Despite assurances that ground forces are unnecessary, the Pentagon has deployed significant military assets to the region. Two contingents of thousands of Marines are being dispatched, with the first expected to arrive by the end of March aboard amphibious assault ships. Elite airborne soldiers are also being positioned in the area, raising concerns among observers about potential escalation into prolonged ground combat.
Rubio explained the troop deployments as providing operational flexibility rather than indicating plans for ground invasion. The forces are intended to give President Donald Trump maximum options should circumstances change unexpectedly during the campaign.
France 24 provides straightforward reporting on Rubio's statements and G7 diplomatic response. The outlet emphasizes international coordination through the G7 declaration while noting concerns about escalation.