Axios: Rubio warns allies Iran war will last longer than Trump predicted
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (flickr.com.photos.statephotos)
Despite hopes for a quick resolution, hostilities between the United States and Iran are likely to continue for at least another two to four weeks, stated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Axios and a post on X.
Diplomatic deadlock
At the start of the conflict, US President Donald Trump suggested the operation would last four to six weeks. According to Rubio, the situation is critically complicated by the lack of direct communication with Iran’s leadership.
For now, dialogue is conducted only through intermediaries, as officials in Tehran "are staying away from their phones out of fear they will be located and assassinated."
In addition to communication challenges, Washington still does not know who in Iran has the authority to make final decisions.
Amid this uncertainty, thousands more US troops are being deployed to the region. The US administration is already considering options that could involve the use of ground forces to achieve the operation’s objectives.
Weeks, not months
The United States currently sees no possibility of an immediate ceasefire, although it remains determined to conclude the campaign.
During closed-door talks with allies, Rubio stressed that the US is firmly committed to achieving all of its objectives in the war.
Later, speaking to the press after the G7 meeting, the Secretary of State also confirmed that a resolution will not come as quickly as initially expected.
He noted that the United States expects this conflict to end within weeks.
What is known about Trump’s peace plan
US President Donald Trump has previously said he wants to avoid a prolonged war and hopes to end the conflict in the coming weeks. According to media reports, he insists on strictly adhering to previously announced timelines.
As part of preparations for dialogue, Trump suspended strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days. According to the US leader, the step was taken at Tehran’s request, and the talks are going very well.
It is also expected that Iran will present a counterproposal to the United States on March 27 regarding a peace settlement. The White House is currently awaiting an official signal from the Iranian side.
