“Finish the job”: US sets end date for war in Iran
Is this the end? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a press conference on Friday, March 27 that the United States plans to achieve their war objectives in Iran within the next two weeks. “When we are done with them, they will be weaker than they have ever been in recent history,” he told journalists after a G7 meeting near Paris.
“We must finish the job,” declared Donald Trump’s diplomat, emphasizing that the United States can “accomplish all [their] objectives without deploying ground troops.” He mentioned targeting Iranian missile, rocket, and drone factories, as well as the Iranian “navy,” “air forces,” and “missile launchers.”
Rubio also mentioned progress in negotiations. “We have received messages from the Iranian system – what remains of it – indicating a willingness to discuss certain topics,” he said, noting that the US has not yet received a response to their 15-point ceasefire plan. Tehran has not specified who will participate in the negotiations.
The blockade continues at the Strait of Hormuz
The US Secretary of State also addressed the situation at the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s blockade disrupts the global economy and trade. According to the New York Times, Rubio emphasized that Washington is not asking European countries or other states to participate in a military campaign against Iran. However, he suggested these countries should strongly consider helping to reopen the strait.
“If these countries are affected by this situation, all we have said is that they should do something,” the American stated. He also accused Tehran of planning to implement a “payment system” to control maritime traffic in the area, a project he deemed “illegal” and “unacceptable.” The issue of the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for Washington, which has exerted significant pressure on Iran to reopen it, without success so far.
Last Saturday, Donald Trump threatened to hit power plants in Iran if the strategic maritime route was not reopened within 48 hours. The US president later extended the deadline several days on Monday, before pushing it back again on Thursday night, giving Tehran until April 6 to unblock the strait.
