US Secretary of State says war could conclude in ‘weeks, not months’

On March 22, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran, stating he would "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened within 48 hours. This threat followed an Iranian attack on southern Israel, specifically the cities of Dimona and Arad, which resulted in dozens of injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as a "difficult evening of battle". The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil transport, making its closure a significant international concern. The reasons behind Iran's actions and the potential consequences of Trump's threat remain unclear.

On March 24, 2026, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf Arab states. This occurred despite US President Donald Trump's claim that the US was in talks with Iran to end the ongoing conflict. Trump also delayed a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, averting potential strikes on Iranian power stations. However, Iran denied Trump's claims of negotiations, with parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissing them as "fakenews" intended to manipulate financial markets. The strikes and conflicting reports highlight the continued tensions and uncertainty surrounding the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on Sunday regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East, specifically focusing on the blocked Strait of Hormuz. The leaders agreed that reopening the strait, a vital route for global oil supply, was essential for global energy market stability. The Strait has been blocked by Iran since coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iranian targets on February 28, triggering a broader regional war. Trump had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on March 21 demanding the strait's reopening, threatening further action if it was not met. The conversation signals a potential improvement in relations between Trump and Starmer, who previously disagreed on the use of UK military bases in the conflict.

In March 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US aims to conclude the ongoing war within weeks, not months. Rubio made the statement to reporters after attending a G7 meeting in France. He indicated that the US is focused on achieving key objectives that would allow for a swift resolution to the conflict. The specific objectives were not detailed in the report. The statement suggests a desire for a quicker end to the war than previously anticipated.

At a G7 gathering outside Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and European diplomats clashed over the wars in Ukraine and Iran. Rubio criticized European reluctance to assist in the Strait of Hormuz, referencing the US support for Ukraine. European nations, led by Germany and France, expressed irritation, citing a lack of a clear request from the US and legal constraints regarding involvement in the Strait of Hormuz. While planning for a defensive mission in the Strait of Hormuz is underway among willing partners, European nations emphasized that the conflict is not theirs and they do not want to be entangled in it. The G7 bloc consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In March 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to attend a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in France. The purpose of Rubio's visit is to garner support for potential military action against Iran. This effort comes after President Donald Trump has reportedly strained relationships with allies through recent insults. Rubio faces the challenge of convincing skeptical G7 diplomats of the necessity of war with Iran, despite the damaged diplomatic landscape. The meeting takes place as tensions remain high in the region.

In a statement made on March 27, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US anticipates its military operation in Iran will conclude within weeks, not months. Rubio indicated that the operation is progressing faster than initially projected. He further clarified that the US expects to achieve its objectives in Iran without the need for deploying ground troops. The statement provides a timeline for the expected conclusion of the US military operation in Iran, emphasizing its expedited progress and strategy. The reasons behind the military operation were not specified in the article.

According to sources, Donald Trump approved a joint US-Israeli operation against Iran after a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to authorize a "decapitation strike" targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his key lieutenants, who were believed to be meeting in Tehran. Netanyahu argued this was a unique opportunity to eliminate Khamenei and retaliate for alleged Iranian plots to assassinate Trump, including a 2024 murder-for-hire scheme. The intelligence suggesting the meeting had been moved forward prompted Netanyahu to push for the strike, despite Trump's previous opposition to such military interventions. The operation was approved less than 48 hours before its commencement.

Iran developed a vast network of street cameras for internal surveillance and control of dissent. According to the article, Israel repurposed this camera network, turning it into a targeting tool. The article suggests this surveillance system played a role in the killing of Iran's supreme leader. The article, originating from Tel Aviv, highlights the increasing use of surveillance systems for purposes beyond their original intent. The Associated Press reported this information with updates through the current day.

On day 21 of the US-Israel attacks against Iran, tensions are escalating, with Iran warning of "zero restraint" if its energy facilities are targeted again after Israel struck the South Pars gasfield. Iran retaliated with attacks on Haifa, Israel, and Ras Laffan, Qatar, also launching missile and drone strikes on US bases and Israeli cities. The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian toll in Iran, with thousands injured and over 1,400 deaths reported. Disruptions to energy supplies have caused global oil and gas prices to surge. France is seeking UN Security Council action to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas chokepoint. The role of the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany is also under scrutiny by Iran.

In a news conference on March 20, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran can no longer enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles following 20 days of US-Israeli air strikes. He stated that the strikes are decimating Iran's missile and drone arsenal by destroying factories producing components for missiles and nuclear weapons. The US and Israel launched the air attacks on February 28 after mediated talks regarding Iran's nuclear program collapsed. Iran has retaliated by firing missiles at Israel and other Gulf countries and limiting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu noted that it is too soon to determine if the conflict will lead to the overthrow of the Iranian government.

Following an Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gasfield, Iran retaliated by striking Qatar's Ras Laffan gas complex, impacting nearly 20% of Qatar's LNG export capacity and causing global market instability. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi warned of "zero restraint" if Iran's energy infrastructure is targeted again. Israel confirmed its Bazan Group refinery was also hit in a claimed Iranian strike. Amidst warnings of a potential energy crisis, President Trump denied coordinating the initial Israeli attack and stated he told Netanyahu to cease such actions. Despite deploying Marines to the region, Trump suggested he would not send ground troops to Iran, even as reports indicate the US military is considering further actions, including securing oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Following Iranian attacks on Qatari gas facilities amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, the EU is urging member states to begin storing gas for next winter earlier than planned. The attacks, which followed an Israeli strike on an Iranian gas field, have caused a surge in global gas prices and threaten EU storage projections. Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen has requested that member states aim for 80% storage capacity, a 10% reduction from the original target, to mitigate price pressures and avoid a rush to fill reserves later in the year. While Asia will be most affected by Qatar's reduced export capacity, Europe faces increased competition for LNG as the conflict disrupts Gulf energy supplies. Natural gas prices in the EU have already risen significantly since the start of the war.

Amid rising oil prices, the Trump administration is facing public concern as tensions remain high in the Middle East. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both indicated that the conflict with Iran could be nearing its end, although further attacks are anticipated. These statements follow recent escalations in the region, though the specific locations and nature of these escalations are not detailed in this report. The situation is being closely watched due to its potential impact on global oil markets and broader geopolitical stability. The reasons for the conflict were not mentioned in the article.

Military attacks on critical infrastructure in Qatar and Iran have triggered a significant energy shock in Europe, causing oil and gas prices to surge to levels not seen since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On Thursday, the Dutch TTF natural gas price climbed to its highest level since December 2022, while Brent crude surpassed US$114 per barrel. Jet fuel prices in Europe have also exceeded their peak during the Russia-Ukraine war. Governments across Europe, including in Brussels and Paris, are holding crisis meetings to address the situation. The French Energy Minister attributed the price increases to Europe's dependency on external refining, particularly for diesel fuel. The attacks followed the US and Israel attacking Iran in late February.

The US-Israeli war against Iran, ongoing for three weeks, is currently characterized by mixed messages and uncertainty. Despite President Trump's claims that the war is "very complete" and "winding down," the US is deploying additional ground forces and continuing airstrikes on Iranian targets. While Trump insists opening the Strait of Hormuz is a "simple military maneuver," only Iranian-approved ships are passing through. Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants if Hormuz isn't fully opened within 48 hours. His stated objectives for the war include degrading Iran's military, defense infrastructure, and nuclear program, as well as protecting US allies. Notably absent from his objectives is securing the Strait of Hormuz, which he believes should be the responsibility of other nations. Also absent are previous demands for Iranian regime change or "unconditional surrender."

In a press conference on March 20, 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu addressed both Israeli citizens and international media regarding the ongoing war with Iran. Netanyahu stated that substantial advancements had been achieved in the first 20 days of the conflict. While acknowledging these gains, he also suggested that further military action is anticipated. Al Jazeera's Rob McBride analyzed Netanyahu's statements, highlighting the Prime Minister's assertion that a "ground component" is necessary for the war effort. The purpose of the address was to update the public and international community on the progress and future direction of the war.

In a social media post, former U.S. President Trump criticized NATO allies for their perceived lack of support in the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran, which began on February 28th. Trump stated that NATO is a "paper tiger" without the United States. He called on NATO countries to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, claiming this would alleviate high oil prices. Trump asserted that the military conflict is won with little danger to NATO countries, and labeled them "cowards" for not participating in opening the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that the U.S. will remember their inaction. The conflict has reportedly disrupted global markets, resulted in thousands of deaths, and displaced millions.

The article discusses the dynamic between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-held desire for regime change in Iran and former President Donald Trump's approach to the country. Netanyahu has consistently advocated for a more aggressive stance against Iran, aiming to dismantle its current government. However, the article suggests that Trump, while taking a hard line on Iran, appeared willing to accept outcomes short of complete regime change. The focus is on the differing objectives and potential compromises between the two leaders regarding Iran policy. The article implies that Netanyahu's ambitions may be tempered by the former U.S. President's more pragmatic approach.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his desire to "create conditions" for regime change in Iran. He made this announcement during a press conference on March 13, 2026, his first since the start of the war two weeks prior. Netanyahu indicated that Israel's attacks on Iran are intended to contribute to this goal. The Prime Minister did not elaborate on the specific conditions he hoped to establish or the methods Israel would employ to achieve regime change. The press conference provided insight into Israel's strategic objectives regarding Iran amidst ongoing conflict.

A key Israeli legal office has advised against pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at this time. The opinion comes in response to reported pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to consider a pardon. The office stated that a pardon would only be appropriate if Netanyahu resigns from his position, confesses to alleged crimes, or is formally convicted in court. Netanyahu is currently facing trial on corruption charges, which he denies. The legal office's stance effectively blocks any potential preemptive pardon, maintaining that due process must be followed before such action is considered.