Washington anticipates that its operation against Iran will conclude in “weeks, not months,” as stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This expectation persists despite the escalating violence throughout the region and Israel’s threat to “escalate and expand” its assaults on the Islamic Republic.
“When we finish with them in the next couple of weeks, they will be weaker than they have been in recent history,” Marco Rubio informed reporters on Friday following his meeting with G7 foreign ministers in France.
The conflict commenced with a surprise attack on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Iran remains resolute, denying Donald Trump’s assertions that negotiations are “going well,” and insists that no discussions are currently occurring.
In Beirut, the Lebanese capital, a pre-dawn Israeli strike reportedly killed two individuals, according to local officials, while Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel in response.
“Despite the warnings, the firing continues,” stated Israel Katz, the Israeli Defense Minister. “Consequently, attacks in Iran will escalate and expand to additional targets and areas that aid the regime in developing and operating weapons against Israeli citizens.”
Israel’s latest strikes on Friday focused on nuclear facilities in Iran, likely aiming to strike what are perceived as strategically significant targets before the White House compels Israel to cease or diminish its operations.
As stock markets fluctuate and the economic repercussions of the war extend well beyond the Middle East, Trump faces increasing pressure. This is exacerbated by Iran’s ongoing control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil is typically transported.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that it had intercepted three vessels attempting to navigate the strait, asserting that all shipping “to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American adversaries” is barred from traversing the strait.
“This morning, in response to the false statements made by the corrupt US president regarding the openness of the Strait of Hormuz, three container ships from various nations were forced to turn back following a warning issued by the IRGC navy,” the Guards reported on their Sepah News website.
Rubio stated that maintaining the strait’s accessibility for shipping would likely present an “immediate challenge” even after the US achieved its military goals in Iran. He indicated that Iran might attempt to impose a toll on the strait, which he warned could inflict economic harm on numerous countries.
“This is not only illegal, but also unacceptable… It is crucial for the world to have a strategy in place,” Rubio emphasized.
