The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said Washington can see “the finish line” in the war with Iran, while signaling possible direct talks with Tehran.
Speaking on Fox News, Rubio said: “It’s not today, it’s not tomorrow, but it is coming.”
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He added that messages are already being exchanged between the United States and Iran, and that there is potential for a “direct meeting at some point” between the two sides.
At the same time, Rubio suggested the conflict could prompt a broader reassessment of US alliances, particularly NATO.
“Ultimately, that’s a decision for the president to make, and he’ll have to make it,” Rubio said.
He added that the US may have to re-examine whether the alliance is still serving its original purpose.
“We are going to have to re-examine whether or not this alliance… 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,” Rubio said.
The month-long conflict has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands and putting pressure on the global economy, with rising energy prices fueling inflation concerns.
Notably, two-thirds of Americans believe the US should move to end its involvement in the Iran war quickly, even if that means falling short of the goals set by the Trump administration, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
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The survey found that 66% of respondents supported a swift end to the conflict, while 27% said Washington should pursue its objectives even if the war drags on. Six percent did not answer.
Among Republicans, opinion was more divided: 40% backed ending the war quickly, while 57% supported continuing the fight until US goals are achieved.
In the poll of 1,021 respondents, 60% said they disapproved of US military strikes on Iran, compared to 35% who approved.
One of the most visible domestic effects has been rising fuel costs. US gasoline prices climbed above $4 per gallon on Monday for the first time in more than three years, according to GasBuddy.
Two-thirds of respondents said they expect gas prices to increase further over the next year, including 40% of Republicans.
More than half said the conflict would have a mostly negative impact on their personal finances, including 39% of Republicans.
US President Donald Trump is set to address the nation on Wednesday night on the war with Iran, the White House said. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump will speak at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT Thursday) to deliver “an important update on Iran.”
Earlier in the Oval Office, Trump said he expects the war to conclude “within maybe two weeks,” while leaving the door open for a potential deal.
“We have had regime change. Now, regime change was not one of the things I had as a goal. I had one goal: they will have no nuclear weapon, and that goal has been attained,” Trump said.
“They will not have nuclear weapons. But we’re finishing the job… within maybe two weeks… we want to knock out every single [site] they have,” he added.
Asked about rising oil prices, Trump said they would fall once US military operations end.
His upcoming address is expected to emphasize that Washington sees a path to ending both the fighting and pressure on fuel prices.