U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told allies that Washington currently has no plans for new strikes against Iran and will focus on economic pressure. According to Axios, this specifically involves a new sanctions campaign and increased pressure through naval operations, although a military option is not ruled out in the event of a new attack by Iran.
The publication reports that Rubio’s message to the foreign ministers of allied countries came at a time when the U.S. believes it is choking off Iran with a naval blockade, while simultaneously diverting increasing volumes of oil away from the Strait of Hormuz.
Furthermore, this approach is a sign that U.S. President Donald Trump is frustrated with the war and wants it to end—at least for now.
According to a U.S. official, Rubio made it clear in phone calls with his colleagues that the U.S. does not plan to resume large-scale combat operations. At the same time, he did not rule out strikes if Iran strikes first.
Another U.S. official said that the U.S. Navy’s clearing of mines in the Strait of Hormuz marks a turning point in the war, as it has largely neutralized one of Iran’s main sources of influence.
Moreover, in recent weeks, an increasing number of tankers have been passing through the southern lane of the strait, which significantly reduces Iran’s influence on global energy markets.
Thus, the Trump administration’s policy currently follows this logic:
At the same time, a U.S. official said that this policy is expected to remain in place at least until the midterm elections, after which the possibility of a new military campaign may be reconsidered.
Axios explains that the U.S. naval blockade is depriving Iran of vital revenue. U.S. officials say that over the past two weeks, almost no tankers have been spotted near Kharq Island, the main hub for Iranian oil exports.
“The Iranians have lost control of the strait. It is now under U.S. control,” said one of the officials.
For his part, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott noted the following:
“The Iranian economy is in free fall, its military has been defeated, and we are cutting off all remaining financial channels supporting the regime. The president has made it clear that Tehran cannot have nuclear weapons and that he will use whatever tools are necessary to achieve this goal,” he said.
A source also stated that the U.S. is not currently negotiating with Iran but is putting pressure on Tehran. Washington believes this pressure could force the Iranians to return to the negotiating table.
Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are leading the negotiations with Iran, are expected to visit U.S. Central Command on Wednesday for briefings on the situation on the ground, Axios reports.
Earlier, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced new economic sanctions against Iran, covering the aviation sector, digital assets, gold, technology, and shipping. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called these measures “Economic D-Day” and urged other countries to sever economic ties with Tehran.
On August 24, the United States announced an economic campaign against Iran, which President Donald Trump called “Iran economic D-Day.” According to him, it should also target countries that assist Tehran, particularly those that purchase Iranian oil. According to The Rio Times, as of August 24, no formal document regarding the new sanctions had been released, so the package has not yet taken legal effect.
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