Rubio tells allies U.S. pauses new strikes, increases Iran pressure
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several allied foreign ministers that Washington does not expect to launch new strikes against Iran “for the time being.”
The American news website Axios reported citing U.S. officials familiar with the discussions that the Trump administration is focusing on economic pressure, including a naval blockade of Iran and a new round of Treasury Department sanctions.
Rubio, speaking to several of his counterparts on the phone, explained Trump administration’s current approach includes keeping military action on hold, increasing economic pressure and moving as much Iranian and regional oil as possible through the Strait of Hormuz and into global markets.
U.S. officials said the strategy could remain in place at least until after the midterm elections, although Washington has not ruled out military action if Iran attacks first.
The shift comes as the U.S. Navy clears mines from the Strait of Hormuz and more tankers use the southern shipping lane. U.S. officials say the developments have reduced Iran’s leverage over global energy supplies.
The naval blockade has also sharply reduced Iranian oil exports, with U.S. officials saying few tankers have recently been seen at Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told Axios the Iranian economy was in “free fall” and that the U.S. was cutting off the remaining financial lifelines of the Iranian government.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian officials. Pakistan has played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran since the war began.
The White House said there are currently no scheduled negotiations with Iran, while U.S. officials said Washington was not negotiating with Tehran but instead applying pressure to push it back to the negotiating table.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit U.S. Central Command on Wednesday for briefings on the conflict, according to a source familiar with the plans.