US Declares Iran Operation to End in Weeks, Not Months as Conflict Escalates

Washington expects its operation against Iran to conclude in "weeks, not months", the US Secretary of State has said, despite spiralling violence across the region and a threat from Israel to "escalate and expand" its attacks against the Islamic republic.

"When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than they've been in recent history," Marco Rubio told reporters on Friday after meeting G7 foreign ministers in France.

The comments come as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, with Iran's missiles and drones targeting Israel and the Jewish state threatening to expand its attacks on the Islamic republic.

Rubio's remarks suggest the US is confident it can quickly conclude its operations against Iran, even as the situation on the ground appears to be deteriorating. The G7 ministers meeting in France have been discussing ways to de-escalate the conflict and find a diplomatic solution.

However, Israel's threat to "escalate and expand" its attacks on Iran could complicate efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. The Israeli government has accused Iran of stoking regional tensions and has vowed to take decisive action to protect its citizens.

The US and its allies have been closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and are working to find a way to de-escalate the conflict and prevent a wider war. With Rubio's comments suggesting a quick resolution, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the path forward.

Regardless of the US timeline, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation and civilian casualties. The international community will need to work together to find a peaceful solution that addresses the underlying tensions and concerns of all parties involved.