One Month into Attack on Iran, US Secretary of State Says War Will Be Over in Weeks
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The United States (US) estimates that its military operation against Iran could be completed in a matter of weeks without the need for ground troop deployment. This was stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following a meeting with G7 foreign ministers in France on Friday (27/3/2026).
Rubio said that the current military operation is proceeding according to plan, even faster than the initial schedule.
“We are on schedule or even ahead in this operation, and we hope to complete it in a matter of weeks, not months,” he told reporters, as quoted by Reuters on Saturday (28/3/2026).
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the US is still positioning some troops in the region to provide strategic flexibility for President Donald Trump if the situation changes.
“Troops are deployed to give the president maximum options in adapting to possible developments,” he added.
On the other hand, the escalation of the conflict continues. Iran’s attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia reportedly injured at least 12 US soldiers, including two with serious injuries. The attack involved missiles and drones, and damaged several aerial refuelling aircraft.
Washington has also sent thousands of Marines to the Middle East region, raising concerns that the conflict could expand into a prolonged ground war.
This tension is also impacting global trade, particularly energy routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio warned of the possibility that Iran would restrict access to that route and urged European and Asian countries to contribute to securing this vital passage.
The conflict, which began on 28 February 2026, has shaken the global energy market. Brent crude oil prices have reached US$112 per barrel, or approximately Rp1.79 million, up more than 50% since the war started. Meanwhile, diesel prices in California have hit a record high of US$7.17 or about Rp114,700 per gallon.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly pushing for a diplomatic resolution amid domestic political pressure due to the surge in energy prices. He has even given Iran an additional 10-day deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its energy infrastructure.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that Washington hopes to hold a meeting with Iran soon. The proposed peace plan includes demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment and surrender approximately 10,000 kg of enriched uranium material.
However, Iran has not yet responded to the proposal. A senior Iranian official described the ongoing attacks amid diplomatic efforts as “intolerable” actions.
Overall, the conflict has killed more than 1,900 people in Iran and injured around 20,000 others. Major disruptions to global energy supplies are also increasing the risk of inflation and a global economic slowdown.