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US Expects Iran Operations to Conclude Without Ground Troops, Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise
Iran Operations Expected to Conclude Without Ground Troops Within Weeks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that the United States could achieve its objectives in Iran without the use of any ground troops. He added that the operation is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks, not months. This statement came despite recent deployments of additional forces to the region. Rubio spoke to reporters after meeting with G7 foreign ministers in France to discuss the conflict launched by the US and Israel late last month.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions and Rising Oil Prices
Rubio said Iran might decide to set up a tolling system for the Strait of Hormuz and insisted that European and Asian countries that benefit from trade through the waterway should contribute to efforts to secure free passage through the Strait once the conflict ends. This comes on the same day that two Chinese container ships turned back after trying to exit the Gulf via the Strait, as indicated by ship-tracking data, despite assurances from Iran that Chinese vessels could pass. Iranian state media reported Friday that three container ships of various nationalities were turned back from the Strait of Hormuz after warnings from the Revolutionary Guards Naval Force. The war and the effective closure of the waterway, through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas traverses, have led to a surge in oil prices as the conflict continues. Benchmark Brent futures have risen more than 50% since the war began and briefly topped $119 a barrel last week. Some analysts polled by Reuters said oil could hit $200 a barrel if Iranian export facilities are damaged.
*Source: YouTube: Reuters (2026-03-27)*
