US Secretary of State Rubio Says No New Military Strikes Planned on Iran, Focuses on Economic Pressure

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed foreign ministers from allied countries that the current US strategy against Iran centers on increasing economic sanctions and pressure rather than initiating new military strikes. According to reports from Axios, Rubio emphasized that Washington does not plan to resume military actions at this time but did not rule out strikes if Iran provokes the US or Israel. Rubio outlined key elements of the Trump administration's approach, including intensifying economic pressure through a naval blockade and new Treasury Department sanctions, while ensuring Iranian oil is rerouted through the Strait of Hormuz to international markets.

US officials noted that the removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz and the rise in tanker traffic along the southern route have sharply reduced Tehran's ability to influence global energy markets. Senior officials stated, "The Iranians have lost control of the strait. Now the United States controls it." The American blockade is also severely impacting Iran's oil revenues. Tommy Fieguth, spokesperson for the US State Department, said, "Iran's economy is in free fall and the regime's military is being crushed." He added that the US president is clear that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and that all necessary measures will be used to ensure this objective is met.