U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed G7 foreign ministers on Friday that the ongoing military operation in Iran should conclude in “weeks, not months.” Speaking at the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay near Paris, Rubio signaled that the administration believes the conflict, designated Operation Epic Fury, is nearing its strategic objectives.
The statement comes as the U.S.-led campaign enters its fifth week following the February 28 launch of joint strikes with Israel. Rubio emphasized that the goal is to stabilize the region and restore international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the U.S. does not currently require allied military contributions for clearing the waterway but seeks an international maritime task force for post-war policing.
President Donald Trump recently extended a deadline to April 6 for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening further strikes on energy infrastructure. This ultimatum coincided with the deployment of 3,000 elite troops from the 82nd Airborne Division. Despite the intensive military pressure, the administration has signaled a willingness to engage in diplomacy, with Rubio confirming the receipt of “messages” from Iranian representatives.
Public reaction to the “weeks, not months” projection has been marked by significant skepticism. News aggregators like @disclosetv reported over 75,000 views on the update within hours, with many users drawing cynical comparisons to the timelines of past conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Online memes regarding “two more weeks” have proliferated as critics highlight the fluidity of the combat environment.
The conflict has already resulted in 290 U.S. service members wounded and at least 13 fatalities, according to U.S. Central Command. Meanwhile, global oil prices remain at historic highs due to the disruption of Gulf energy exports. While Rubio expressed confidence in an early de-escalation, G7 allies like France and Germany have remained cautious, urging a diplomatic resolution to avoid total regional instability.
As of Friday evening, no formal ceasefire has been reached, and military operations continue. The White House has not yet issued a follow-up statement regarding the Secretary’s specific projection. For now, the global community remains focused on whether the administration can meet the ambitious timeline for regional stabilization amidst ongoing hostilities.