U.S. Aims to Conclude Military Operations Against Iran in Weeks, Says Marco Rubio

Washington, March 31: U.S. government officials have repeatedly stated that they are ahead of schedule in achieving their military objectives and will conclude operations soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed confidence that the U.S. expects to complete its military actions against Iran in weeks, not months.

In an interview with Al Jazeera on Monday, Rubio outlined Washington’s conditions for ending the conflict and warned Tehran against attempting to control the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite ongoing military operations, Rubio noted that there have been messages and some direct communications between certain individuals in Iran and the U.S., particularly through intermediaries.

He emphasized that Washington’s primary demands remain unchanged: “The Iranian government must never possess nuclear weapons, must cease sponsoring terrorism, and must stop developing weapons that pose a threat to its neighbors.”

Rubio stated that the U.S. military is well ahead of its timeline, which includes neutralizing Iran’s Air Force and Navy, as well as significantly reducing the number of missile launchers they possess.

“We will achieve these objectives in weeks, not months,” he asserted, making it clear that any Iranian attempt to control the Strait of Hormuz would be unacceptable. “No country in the world can accept this.”

He warned that such a move would set a precedent for other nations to claim rights over international waterways. Rubio added, “The U.S. will not accept such conditions. Their demands are illegal and will not happen.”

He assured that the Strait would remain open, either through Iran adhering to international law or through collective action by other nations.

Rubio accused Iran of targeting residential and economic infrastructure throughout the region, stating, “They have attacked embassies, diplomatic facilities, airports, and energy infrastructure.”

Describing Iran as the weakest it has been in a decade, he stressed the need to diminish its military capabilities to prevent future threats.

Regarding diplomacy, Rubio stated that Tehran must take concrete steps to abandon any desire for nuclear weapons and to discontinue its missile and drone programs.

“If Iran does this, the country’s future could be bright. However, its government has not taken this path for decades,” he remarked.

Rubio also expressed disappointment with some NATO allies for not granting access to airspace and bases during the operation, stating, “If NATO’s goal is merely to defend Europe, but then refuses to provide basic rights when we need them, that is not a good arrangement. These relationships need to be reassessed.”

He clarified that changing the regime in Iran was not part of the U.S. objectives. However, he acknowledged that Washington would not oppose a change in leadership if it occurred. “The goal of this operation was not that,” he concluded.