Several more weeks: Rubio dashes hopes for rapid operation against Iran
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told foreign ministers of the Gulf countries that the operation against Iran will continue for several more weeks, according to Axios and a press briefing by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Rubio informed the ministers that US military efforts are currently focused on Iran’s missile sites, warehouses, and factories. He also assured officials that Washington’s goal is not regime change.
At the same time, Axios notes that Rubio made it clear that the US wants different leadership in Iran.
He emphasized that Washington is not engaging in any dialogue with Tehran, as negotiations at this stage would undermine ongoing military objectives.
What the White House says
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the press on March 6 that achieving US objectives in Iran will take 4–6 weeks.
Israel and the US operation against Iran
On February 28, Israel and the US carried out powerful strikes on Iran, resulting in the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In response, the Iranian military began attacking both Israel and several countries across the Middle East. American military bases and a consulate were among the targets.
On Sunday, March 1, US President Donald Trump outlined the timeline for the campaign against Iran, stating that the active combat phase would last no more than four weeks.
On March 5, Israel announced it was moving to the next phase of the war against Iran, with the Israeli military intensifying airstrikes on underground facilities where Tehran is storing ballistic missiles.
Trump also indicated that he wants a complete change in Iran’s leadership, noting that he has several candidates for a good leader.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is ready for a US ground invasion. He rejected any negotiations with Washington, emphasizing that Tehran has not requested a ceasefire despite the US and Israeli strikes across its territory.
