DUBAI/WASHINGTON/PARIS — The United States (US) expects its ongoing military operations against Iran to conclude within weeks rather than months, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday, signalling a potential near-term end to the escalating conflict.
Read More: Trump seeks to end Iran conflict within six weeks
Speaking after meetings with G7 counterparts in France, Rubio stated that Washington was “on or ahead of schedule” and could meet its objectives without deploying ground troops. However, he acknowledged that additional forces were being positioned in the region to maintain strategic flexibility if conditions change.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US would be able to achieve its goals in Iran without the use of ground troops and that Operation Epic Fury is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks.https://t.co/cQJPymgjKW
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) March 27, 2026
Meanwhile, hostilities intensified across the Gulf as an Iranian missile and drone attack on a Saudi airbase wounded 12 US personnel, including two seriously. The conflict has expanded beyond direct US-Iran confrontation, impacting regional stability and global trade routes.
The war, launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel, has triggered widespread retaliation from Iran, including strikes on military and civilian targets. Key infrastructure, including nuclear-related facilities and industrial sites, has also come under attack in recent days.
US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to bring the conflict to a close, while continuing diplomatic outreach. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Washington expects a response from Tehran on a proposed framework aimed at ending hostilities, which includes strict limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high, with continued strikes and counter-strikes across the region. The conflict has disrupted global energy supplies, pushing oil prices sharply higher and raising concerns about inflation and economic slowdown worldwide.
Read More: Trump continues halt on Iran energy plant strikes into April
With casualties mounting and no formal agreement in place, uncertainty persists over whether diplomatic efforts can succeed before the situation escalates further.