U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told allied foreign ministers that Washington is pausing new military strikes against Iran for the time being, shifting to economic sanctions and maritime pressure, according to multiple reports.
Rubio’s remarks, cited by Axios and repeated across multiple outlets, signal a pivot from military action to economic coercion. The U.S. is leveraging sanctions, a naval blockade, and control of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Iran, according to sources including firstpost.com and AA. While no new strikes are planned for the time being, officials emphasized that military action remains an option if Iran initiates hostilities.
Shift in Strategy: From Strikes to Sanctions
The U.S. strategy, outlined in recent phone calls between Rubio and foreign ministers, prioritizes economic pressure over direct military engagement. A key component is the Treasury Department’s new sanctions campaign, described as an effort to economic asphyxiation
of the Iranian regime. These measures include secondary sanctions targeting foreign entities that maintain ties with Iran, aiming to isolate the country financially.
The shift reflects a broader effort to avoid escalating conflict while maintaining leverage. A second official noted that the current approach could persist through the November midterms, after which military options might be reconsidered.
Rubio tells allies US shifting from strikes to sanctions
Economic Pressure and Maritime Tactics
The U.S. is also intensifying maritime pressure by controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. U.S. naval mine-clearing operations have restored traffic through the southern lanes of the strait, reducing Iran’s ability to disrupt energy flows, according to sources including firstpost.com and AA.
The administration has warned that foreign entities conducting business with Iran risk severe penalties, including asset freezes and restricted access to U.S. markets.
Iran’s Response and Unanswered Questions
Iranian officials have dismissed U.S. claims of mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, questioning the credibility of the reports. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi challenged the U.S. to demonstrate its actions, stating, If the United States claims that the mines have been completely cleared, why doesn’t a US ship pass through?
AA reported.
Axios reports – Rubio tells allies US shifting from
Gharibabadi also warned that U.S. mine-sweeping vessels entering the area would be considered targets, saying, If US mine-sweepers enter the region, they will become targets for us.
The Iranian response underscores the ongoing tension, even as the U.S. seeks to de-escalate through economic means.
The long-term effectiveness of the strategy remains uncertain. While the U.S. aims to pressure Iran into negotiations, the regime has shown resilience to sanctions. Analysts note that the success of this approach hinges on sustained international cooperation and Iran’s willingness to engage in dialogue—a prospect that remains unclear.
Additional Details from Source Material
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has launched a broad sanctions campaign described as an effort toward economic asphyxiation
of the Iranian regime, according to Source 4. The policy includes secondary sanctions against foreign governments, companies, and financial institutions that continue to conduct business with Iran. This measure aims to deter international entities from maintaining commercial or financial links with Tehran.
The U.S. naval mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz have largely neutralized one of Iran’s principal forms of leverage, according to a U.S. official cited by Axios. The clearing of mines has restored commercial tanker traffic through the southern lanes of the strait, reducing Iran’s ability to disrupt global oil and energy shipments, as reported by Source 4.
Rubio tells allies U.S. shifting from strikes to sanctions
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, held talks in Tehran with the Iranian leadership, according to Source 5. The White House did not confirm these discussions but stated there are no current or scheduled negotiations with Iran. This development highlights the complex regional dynamics involving Iran and its allies.
Axios reported that Rubio’s statements reflect U.S. President Donald Trump’s frustration with the war, with one official noting it is “another sign” that Trump is exasperated with the war and wants it to be over, at least for now.
This sentiment underscores the administration’s focus on de-escalation, even as it maintains pressure through economic and maritime means.
The timeline for the current strategy is tied to the November midterm elections, with a U.S. official stating the policy is expected to continue until after the midterm elections, when a renewed military campaign could again become an option.
This indicates a temporary pause in military action, though the administration has not ruled out future strikes if Iran initiates hostilities.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated his skepticism about U.S. claims of mine clearance, stating, No one except Iran knows the location of these mines.
His remarks highlight the ongoing distrust between the two nations, even as the U.S. emphasizes its efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. strategy also involves moving as much Iranian oil as possible through the Strait of Hormuz and into global energy markets, according to Axios. This move aims to counter Iran’s influence over energy supplies while maintaining pressure on the regime through economic measures.
Officials from the Trump administration have emphasized that while major combat operations are not planned for the time being, the door remains open for military action if Iran attacks first. This stance reflects a cautious approach to conflict, balancing deterrence with the desire to avoid further escalation.
