Weeks, not months: Rubio says Gulf war nearing end, no ground forces

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the war in the Gulf is expected to end within weeks, not months, even as Washington continues troop deployments and diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict.

“The war in the Gulf is still expected to last weeks, not months,” Rubio said, outlining the administration’s timeline.

Rubio said the US campaign was progressing “on or ahead of schedule” and could achieve its objectives without committing to a prolonged ground conflict.

“We expect to conclude it in a matter of weeks, not months,” he said after meeting G7 counterparts in France. "When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than they've been in recent history," Rubio said.

He also added that Washington could meet its goals “without any ground troops,” despite ongoing deployments.

TROOPS DEPLOYED AS PRECAUTION

Thousands of US Marines and elite airborne troops are being sent to the region, a move Rubio said was aimed at giving President Donald Trump “maximum optionality” in case conditions shift. The deployments have raised concerns that the conflict could still expand into a broader ground war.

Rubio also said Iran had sent "messages" to the American side, but had not responded to a US-proposed peace plan. "We've had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system - whatever's left of it- about a willingness to talk about certain things," he said.

He also warned that securing the Strait of Hormuz would be a key post-war challenge, urging allies in Europe and Asia to contribute.

He said Iran may seek to impose a toll on traffic through the strait, which could cause significant economic damage globally. He added that the US would seek international cooperation to keep the route open after hostilities end.

“Not only is this illegal, it’s unacceptable. It’s dangerous to the world,” Rubio said. “And it’s important that the world have a plan.”

Rubio dismissed reports by The Associated Press and others that Russia has provided Iran with information to help Tehran target US military personnel and assets in the Middle East as the conflict enters its second week.

“Look let me put it this way. There is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is in any way impeding or affecting our operations,” Rubio told reporters on the tarmac.

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