'Iran Objectives Could Be Met Without Ground Troops': Rubio Walks Back Escalation Amid Talks

Last Updated:March 28, 2026, 02:14 IST

Rubio stressed that most US objectives in Iran are ahead of schedule and could be met without ground troops, adding that they were being deployed for multiple contingencies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday called for European support to help form a coalition against Iran’s control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz during a G7 meeting in France, while acknowledging disruptions in shipping after the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rubio touched upon the US deploying thousands of troops in the region, stressing that most objectives in Iran are ahead of schedule. “We can achieve them without any ground troops," he said.

When asked about what role the troops would play in the war, Rubio said Trump “has to be prepared for multiple contingencies" and that the US forces are available “to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies should they emerge."

His remarks come as Trump announced that indirect talks with Iran were progressing well, while simultaneously deploying thousands of troops to the region from the 82nd Airborne Division. The troops are widely expected to give Trump an option for a ground invasion in Iran or wrest the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian control.

Rubio Rallies G7 Against ‘Tolling’ Of Hormuz

The top US diplomat assured G7 partners that the war would only continue for a matter of weeks, and also expressed alarm that Iran would seek to establish a permanent “tolling system" for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which he said could cause significant economic damage to many nations around the globe.

“Not only is this illegal, it’s unacceptable. It’s dangerous to the world. And it’s important that the world have a plan," he said, adding that the US would seek international cooperation on a plan to keep the strait open after hostilities end.

“We’re willing to be a part of that coalition, but we’ve encouraged others to sort of put it together," Rubio said.

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A final communique on the war from the G7 ministers called for “an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure", adding that there was no justification for “deliberate targeting" of civilians and attacks on diplomatic facilities.

US President Donald Trump had threatened to strike Iranian energy facilities, but subsequently extended the deadline for the attacks to April 6 to give Tehran more time for talks he said were taking place. Rubio said Iran had not responded to a plan to end the war, but “we’ve had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system, whatever’s left of it, about a willingness to talk about certain things."

Rubio also dismissed reports that Russia had provided Iran with information to help Tehran target US military personnel and assets in the Gulf. “Look … let me put it to you this way. There is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is in any way impeding or affecting our operation or the effectiveness," he told reporters.

(with inputs from agencies)

News world 'Iran Objectives Could Be Met Without Ground Troops': Rubio Walks Back Escalation Amid Talks

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