Secretary Rubio speaking to reporters after the G7 meeting [AFP=Yonhap News]  

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on the 27th (local time) that the United States' military operation against Iran is expected to conclude within weeks.

Speaking to reporters after the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers' meeting held near Paris, France, Secretary Rubio said, "We are progressing with this operation as scheduled or ahead of schedule, and we expect to conclude it at an appropriate time within weeks, not months."

In relation to this, the American media outlet Axios reported, citing multiple sources, that Secretary Rubio had stated at the G7 ministerial meeting that the war with Iran would last for the next two to four weeks.

Regarding the possibility of deploying US ground troops, Secretary Rubio stated, "We can achieve all objectives without ground forces."

Secretary Rubio explained that the reinforcement of US military personnel in the Middle East is "to prepare so that the President has the maximum options and opportunities to respond in the event of an emergency."

Concerning the negotiation situation with Iran, he said, "We have exchanged messages and signals indicating willingness to discuss specific issues with the Iranian regime, or its remnants," adding, "We are awaiting a clearer explanation of who the negotiating parties are, when, and what will be discussed."

He also stated that the military operation would continue independently of any negotiations.

Regarding the diversion of weapons intended for Ukraine to the Iran conflict, he said, "That has not happened yet," but opened the possibility that it could occur if necessary.

Secretary Rubio identified the potential introduction of an Iranian toll collection system in the Strait of Hormuz as the most pressing immediate issue to address upon the conclusion of the conflict with Iran.

He pointed out, "This is not only illegal but also unacceptable and dangerous to the world," and stated, "It is important for the world to develop a plan to counter this."

He added, "The United States does not need to lead that plan, but we are willing to participate as a member."

Secretary Rubio urged that not only G7 countries (the US, Japan, the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy) but also various countries worldwide, including those in Asia, have vested interests in the Strait of Hormuz issue, and reiterated that allies and partner nations must participate to prevent the Iranian regime from controlling the Strait of Hormuz.

He said, "If the concerned countries are seriously affected, the parties involved must take action. The United States will help, but the parties themselves must also be prepared to take action."

This is interpreted as an assertion that countries with high dependence on energy passing through the Strait of Hormuz, such as South Korea, Japan, and China, should actively work to normalize passage through the strait.

He stated, "Much work is currently underway," and added, "The UK has played an important role in leading this, but other countries are also participating, and there seems to be a high degree of receptiveness to these efforts."