Rubio told reporters after meeting G7 counterparts in France that Washington was "on or ahead of schedule in that operation, and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here - a matter of ‌weeks, not months."

While he said Washington could achieve its aims without ground troops, he acknowledged it was deploying some to the region "to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust the contingencies, should they emerge."

Germany’s foreign minister on Friday said preparations are underway for a direct meeting between representatives of the US and Iran as part of diplomatic efforts to end the war in Iran. “This is reportedly set to take place in Pakistan in the very near future,” Johann Wadephul told public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.

He added that there have been indirect contacts, describing the news as “the first sign of hope and confidence.”