US Aims to Achieve Military Goals Against Iran Within Weeks, Says Marco Rubio

Washington, March 2026 : The United States expects to accomplish its key military objectives against Iran “within weeks, not months,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, signalling rapid progress in ongoing operations even as Washington keeps diplomatic channels open.

In an interview on the television programme Good Morning America, Rubio outlined a focused strategy aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and preventing it from developing nuclear weapons. He stated that critical components of Iran’s defence infrastructure — including its air force, navy and missile systems — are already being significantly degraded.

“We are destroying Iran’s navy and reducing its missile-launch capabilities by a substantial margin,” Rubio said. He added that the broader goal is to dismantle Iran’s defence industrial base to prevent the future production of missiles and drones.

According to Rubio, the US strategy has remained consistent from the outset. He listed the primary objectives as eliminating Iran’s air and naval strength, drastically curbing its missile capabilities, and targeting its manufacturing infrastructure. “All of this is aimed at ensuring that Iran can never use these capabilities to shield a nuclear weapons programme,” he said, noting that progress is currently “on or ahead of schedule.”

The remarks come shortly after Donald Trump indicated that the United States could expand its strikes to include Iran’s energy infrastructure if diplomatic efforts fail. While acknowledging the possibility of escalation, Rubio emphasised that diplomacy remains the preferred route.

“The president prefers diplomacy,” Rubio said, adding that communication between the two sides is ongoing through intermediaries. He suggested that there may be emerging divisions within Iran’s leadership, with some figures privately signalling a willingness to engage.

However, Rubio cautioned that diplomatic success is far from guaranteed. “We are testing that possibility seriously, but we must also be prepared for it not to succeed,” he said, highlighting the uncertain nature of the situation.

Addressing concerns over maritime security, Rubio firmly rejected any attempt by Iran to control or impose restrictions on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. “That will never be allowed,” he said, pointing out that disruptions in the waterway would have global consequences, affecting multiple nations dependent on energy shipments.

Rubio also accused Iran of supporting militant groups across the region, linking Tehran to organisations such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, which he said contribute to ongoing instability.

Despite his strong criticism of Iran’s leadership, Rubio made a distinction between the government and its citizens. “The people of Iran are remarkable. The issue lies with those who govern them,” he remarked.

The latest developments underscore a dual-track US approach — combining sustained military pressure with cautious diplomatic outreach. With both strategies unfolding simultaneously, the coming weeks are likely to play a decisive role in determining whether tensions escalate further or move towards a negotiated resolution.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)