Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on Friday that the United States could accomplish its objectives in Iran without deploying any ground troops. He anticipated the operation would conclude within weeks, despite the recent dispatch of additional forces to the region.
Rubio made these remarks before returning to the US, following discussions with G7 foreign ministers in France regarding the conflict initiated by the US and Israel late last month. He emphasized that the US was successfully targeting Iran’s missile and drone arsenals, along with the factories producing these weapons, as well as its naval and air forces.
“We are ahead of schedule on most objectives and can achieve them without any ground troops,” Rubio stated firmly. He explained that the recent deployment of thousands of troops was intended to provide President Donald Trump with flexible options to respond to various contingencies, though he refrained from sharing operational specifics.
“The President must be prepared for multiple scenarios. Our goal is to offer him maximum flexibility and the ability to adapt to emerging situations,” Rubio added.
In a notable development, Rubio mentioned that Iran might establish a toll system for the Strait of Hormuz. He urged European and Asian nations benefiting from trade through this crucial waterway to contribute to securing free passage once the conflict concludes.
Meanwhile, Israel announced it is taking control of a portion of southern Lebanon to create a buffer zone aimed at countering Hezbollah militants.
