US expects Iran operation to end 'within weeks, not months', says Rubio as strikes hit nuclear sites

The United States expects its ongoing military operation against Iran to conclude “within weeks, not months,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday, as US-Israeli strikes targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities.

Rubio’s remarks came after a meeting with his counterparts at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ talks in Paris, where he expressed confidence that the campaign would significantly weaken Iran.

“When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than they’ve been in recent history,” AFP quoted Rubio as telling reporters.

His comments followed fresh US-Israeli strikes on two Iranian nuclear sites, including the Khondab heavy water complex and a uranium processing facility in Ardakan. While Israel confirmed the strikes, Iranian authorities said there was no release of radioactive material.

At the G7 meeting, Rubio said he had secured support from member nations to counter Iran’s reported attempts to impose tolls on vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Calling such actions “illegal” and “dangerous,” he stressed the need for a coordinated global response.

In a joint statement, G7 foreign ministers reiterated the “absolute necessity” of maintaining free and safe navigation through the Strait and called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and infrastructure.

Rubio also revealed that Iran had sent “messages” to the US but had not responded to a proposed American peace plan.

The developments come amid escalating tensions in the region, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warning civilians across the Middle East to stay away from areas near US military installations, even as Tehran continues retaliatory strikes against Israel and targets across the Gulf.

Trump has insisted the Islamic republic wants to “make a deal” and extended a deadline for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its energy assets from Friday to April 6.

But the Iranian side, which has made it clear it wants to end fighting on its own terms, indicated no let up in reprisal attacks against Israel and targets across the Gulf.

Civilians should “urgently leave locations where American forces are stationed so that no harm comes to you,” the Guards said.

Iran has reportedly replied to a 15-point US plan with its own demands, including war reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over Hormuz.

“The US, Israel and Iran each think they’re winning the war,” Crisis Group Iran specialist Ali Vaez wrote on X.

“If all three think their plan is working, each also believe(s) it has more cards up their sleeve,” he added, which encourages each side to hold out for more in negotiations.

A month of US and Israeli attacks have damaged at least 120 museums and cultural and historic sites nationwide, a top Tehran official said.

Markets have been upended by Iranian attacks on trade and energy targets in the Gulf, with Kuwait saying Friday its main commercial port was damaged in a drone attack at dawn.

A top Iranian official threatened to attack Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu, home to the Samref oil refinery, as well as the coastal Fujairah oil complex in the United Arab Emirates, should a ground invasion take place.

“Step onto Iranian soil, and $150 becomes the floor for oil,” Vice President Esmael Saghab Esfahani wrote on X.

Iran’s message on Hormuz was just as defiant, with the Guards saying the strait was “closed” to vessels travelling to and from enemy ports, and that they had turned back three ships seeking to cross.

Oil prices were more than three percent higher Friday even after Trump pushed back his ultimatum for a second time.

With inputs from agencies