Rubio Says US Can Win Iran War Without Ground Troops/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. can meet Iran war goals without ground troops. More than 1,000 additional service members are still being deployed to the region. Rubio also said weapons could be diverted from Ukraine if necessary.
Rubio Iran War Strategy + Quick Looks
- Rubio says no ground troops needed
- U.S. deploying 1,000 additional troops
- War expected to end within weeks
- U.S. targets Iranian navy and missile systems
- Weapons could be diverted from Ukraine
- Allies urged to secure Strait of Hormuz
- Iran response to U.S. proposal expected soon
- Russia involvement not affecting operations
Deep Look: Rubio Says US Can Achieve Iran War Goals Without Ground Troops
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday the United States can achieve its military objectives in the Iran conflict without deploying ground troops, even as additional American forces are sent to the Middle East amid ongoing hostilities.
Speaking to reporters before departing from a Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting in France, Rubio emphasized that the U.S. military campaign is progressing ahead of schedule and does not require boots on the ground.
“We’re going to destroy their navy, we are going to destroy their air force, and we are going to significantly destroy their missile launchers so they can never hide behind these things to get a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said. “We are achieving all of those objectives, we are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any.”
His comments come as the Pentagon prepares to deploy more than 1,000 additional service members to the region. Rubio said the deployment reflects contingency planning rather than preparation for a ground invasion.
President Donald Trump “has to be prepared for multiple contingencies,” Rubio said, declining to elaborate on what those scenarios might include.
Rubio Predicts War Could End Within Weeks
Rubio also offered an optimistic timeline, saying the conflict could conclude in a matter of weeks rather than months.
“As the Department of War has consistently outlined, we are on or ahead of schedule in that operation and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here, in a matter of weeks, not months,” Rubio said.
He also dismissed concerns about Russia assisting Iran. Despite reports that Moscow has provided intelligence to Tehran about U.S. troop movements, Rubio said Russia’s actions have not affected U.S. operations.
“There is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is in any way impeding or affecting our operation,” Rubio said.
Weapons Could Be Diverted From Ukraine
Rubio also acknowledged that the United States could redirect weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East if necessary, though he stressed that no such move has been made yet.
“It hasn’t happened yet,” Rubio said. “Nothing yet has been diverted but it could.”
He emphasized that U.S. national interests would take priority over other commitments.
“If the United States has a military need … we’re always going to come first,” Rubio said.
Rubio also addressed the recent visit by sanctioned Russian lawmakers to the United States, saying the trip had been scheduled earlier and did not represent a policy shift.
“Russia is still a powerful country with nuclear weapons,” Rubio said, adding that maintaining diplomatic engagement remains important.
Allies Urged to Secure Strait of Hormuz
Rubio also called on U.S. allies in Europe and Asia to help secure the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict ends. The strategic waterway, which handles a large share of global oil shipments, has been a focal point of the conflict.
“Immediately after this thing ends … one of the immediate challenges we’re going to face is an Iran that may decide they want to set up a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz,” Rubio said.
He described such a move as illegal and dangerous, urging allies to prepare a coordinated response.
Rubio said the United States would participate in the effort but that allies with economic interests in the region should take a major role.
Countries in Europe and Asia “have a lot at stake and should contribute greatly,” he said.
Awaiting Iran Response to Ceasefire Proposal
“We haven’t gotten it yet,” Rubio said, noting that communication has taken place indirectly through intermediaries.
He said uncertainty remains about who will represent Iran in negotiations following recent strikes that killed several Iranian leaders.
“Who was it that we would be talking to? What will we be talking about, and when?” Rubio said.
He added that a response from Iran could come “at any moment,” possibly within the next day.
Rubio said Iran’s willingness to clarify negotiators and timelines would indicate whether Tehran is serious about ending the conflict.
With diplomacy underway and military operations continuing, Rubio’s remarks underscore the Trump administration’s strategy of maintaining pressure while pursuing a negotiated resolution.
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