Washington (TDI): The United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington can see the finish line in the Iran war, which is now in its fifth week.
Rubio made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Fox News Channel’s Hannity show. He noted that messages are being exchanged between the United States and Iran, with potential for a direct meeting at some point.
“We can see the finish line. It’s not today, it’s not tomorrow, but it is coming.” He added that the United States will have to re-examine its relationship with NATO after the conflict ends, considering whether it’s still serving its purpose or has become a one-way street.
Rubio also brought up that that some European countries denied overflight permissions during the war; which was a reference to Spain and Italy, both of which did not allow US aircraft to use their bases.
According to Italian media reports, US aircraft were not granted permission to land at the Naval Air Station Sigonella after a flight plan was submitted without prior approval from Italian authorities.
Read More: Italy, Spain Refuse US Base Access Amid Iran War
Spain had earlier taken a firm stance by refusing to allow US military use of its bases, including Morón and Rota, for operations related to the Iran war.
The conflict began on 28 February 2026 with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and the Gulf states.
The war has killed thousands and displaced millions while driving up global oil prices and disrupting markets. The conflict has also strained traditional alliances, with US’ major NATO and European allies refusing direct involvement in the operations.
Rubio’s statement comes as diplomatic efforts continue to bring the war to a close; with a major effort being lead currently by Pakistan who offered to host US and Iran talks, and has also taken major regional stakeholders and China in confidence.
President Donald Trump has separately indicated that US military attacks on Iran could end within two to three weeks. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will host a multilateral meeting involving around 35 countries to discuss efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
