Rubio tells allies Iran war will continue 2-4 more weeks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told G7 foreign ministers Friday that the war with Iran will last two to four more weeks, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the meeting in France. Rubio said the U.S. is communicating with Iran through mediators rather than directly, and identified two Iranian officials willing to negotiate but needing approval from top leadership. The administration is simultaneously deploying thousands more troops to the region and considering escalatory options involving ground forces while stressed that the U.S. is determined to achieve all its war objectives. Rubio cited security concerns among Iranian officials—who are avoiding phones out of fear of assassination—as slowing the pace of communications. Vice President Vance is likely to lead the U.S. delegation if negotiations materialize, though Trump has also assigned Secretary Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner to the diplomatic effort.