U.S. Secretary: Objectives Can Be Met Without Ground Troops, Operation Could End in 2–4 Weeks

[Financial News]

Marco Antonio Rubio, United States Secretary of State, said on the 27th (local time) that he expects the U.S. military operation against Iran to conclude within a few weeks.
Marco Rubio made the remarks to reporters after the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held near Paris, France, that day.
Axios, citing sources, reported that Rubio told the G7 meeting that the war with Iran would continue for another two to four weeks.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio said the operation was proceeding as planned, or even ahead of schedule, and expressed hope that the war would end in weeks rather than months.
He went on to say, "We can achieve all of our objectives without deploying ground troops," indicating that the United States is not currently considering sending ground forces.
Rubio explained that the decision to send additional U.S. troops to the Middle East was a precautionary measure, saying, "It is about making sure that, if an emergency breaks out, the president has the maximum range of options and opportunities available."
He also stressed that negotiations with Iran will take place.
Rubio said, "We have exchanged messages and signals indicating a willingness to discuss specific issues with the Iranian regime, or what remains of it," adding, "We are waiting for a clearer explanation of who will negotiate, when, and what will be discussed."
At the same time, he noted that the military operation would continue regardless of any negotiations.
There was also extensive discussion about the Strait of Hormuz.
First, he made clear that he opposes any move by Iran to introduce a system for charging transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz as a condition for ending the war.
He stated firmly that imposing such fees would be illegal and dangerous for the entire world. Rubio said it is important for the international community to develop a plan to counter this, adding that while the United States would not lead such an effort, it could participate as one of the partners.
He urged allies and partners to join efforts to prevent the Iranian regime from controlling the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the issue affects the interests of the G7, Asia, and the rest of the world.
International oil prices jumped by around 4 percent that day, with Brent Crude Oil climbing above $112 per barrel.

dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter