Marco Rubio: Iran at Its Weakest Point in 25 Years as Washington Nears 'Finish Line' in War
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is at its weakest in 25 years as Washington nears the “finish line” in the war, while signaling possible direct talks and a review of NATO ties.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - As the conflict with Iran enters its fifth week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that Tehran has reached its weakest point in decades, while Washington moves closer to what he described as the “finish line” of the war.
On Wednesday, in an interview with the “Hannity” program on Fox News, Rubio said US military operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran are advancing with “unprecedented effectiveness,” achieving most of their strategic objectives.
He stressed that Iran is now weaker than at any point in the past 25 years, adding that Washington has prevented Tehran from becoming a nuclear-armed state within just two weeks.
“We can see the finish line. It’s not today, it’s not tomorrow, but it is coming,” Rubio said.
The war, now in its fifth week, began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Tehran responded with attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases.
Rubio revealed that indirect communication channels between Washington and Tehran remain active, raising the possibility of direct talks.
“There are messages being exchanged, there are talks going on. There is the potential for direct meeting at some point,” he said.
US President Donald Trump, speaking on Tuesday, indicated that American military operations could conclude within two to three weeks, though timelines and objectives have varied, ranging from weakening Iran’s military and regional influence to potentially toppling its government.
Rubio also suggested that the war could prompt a reassessment of US relations with NATO, pointing to tensions over allied support during the conflict.
“Ultimately, that’s a decision for the president to make, and he’ll have to make it,” Rubio said. “But I do think, unfortunately, we are going to have to reexamine whether or not this alliance that has served this country well for a while is still serving that purpose, or has it now become a one-way street where America is simply in a position to defend Europe, but when we need the help of our allies, they’re going to deny us basing rights, and they’re going to deny us overflight.”
European leaders, according to the report, have declined to participate in offensive operations against Iran.
The remarks reflect Washington’s assessment of the battlefield and signal both military confidence and potential diplomatic openings as the conflict continues.