U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told several Arab foreign ministers during a series of phone calls that the American military campaign against Iran could continue for several more weeks, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the conversations.

According to the report, Rubio also informed his counterparts that Washington is not currently engaged in negotiations with Tehran. He indicated that opening diplomatic talks at this stage could interfere with the military objectives the United States is pursuing.

On Friday, March 6, U. S. President Donald Trump said he sees only one possible outcome to the confrontation with Iran — the unconditional surrender of the Islamic Republic.

The escalation began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets inside Iran, including sites in Tehran. The attacks reportedly caused destruction and led to civilian casualties.

Iran responded with strikes against Israeli territory as well as against U.S. military facilities across the Middle East.