US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several foreign counterparts that the United States is not expected to launch new strikes against Iran “for the time being,” according to two sources familiar with the matter.
Instead, the Trump administration is focusing on other forms of pressure, including a naval blockade and new sanctions announced by the US Treasury Department.
Rubio reportedly outlined the administration’s current Iran strategy during phone calls with allied foreign ministers. The plan includes avoiding major military action against Iran for now, intensifying economic pressure and moving as much oil as possible through the Strait of Hormuz and into global markets.
US officials say the Navy’s efforts to clear mines from most of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with the increasing number of tankers using the southern passage, have significantly weakened Iran’s leverage over global energy supplies.
One US official said the developments mean Iran has effectively lost control of the strait, which is now largely under US control.
The naval blockade is also cutting into Iran’s oil revenue. US officials said almost no tankers have been seen at Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export hub, over the past two weeks.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the Iranian economy was “in free fall” and that the country’s military had suffered major losses, adding that Washington was cutting off the remaining financial lifelines of the Iranian regime.
He reiterated that President Donald Trump would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and would use whatever tools necessary to prevent that outcome.
Although Rubio reportedly made clear that the US does not currently intend to resume major combat operations, officials said military strikes could still be considered if Iran launches an attack against the United States.
A US official also indicated that the current approach could remain in place until after the midterm elections, after which a new military campaign could potentially be considered.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian leaders. Pakistan has played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran since the conflict began.
According to Saudi-affiliated Al Arabiya, Munir spoke with Trump before travelling to Iran and presented a new proposal to the Iranian leadership. The White House did not deny that the two men spoke but said there are currently no negotiations with Iran.
US officials believe the developments around the Strait of Hormuz and the increased flow of oil from the Gulf have weakened Iran’s bargaining position in any future negotiations.
“Right now we are not negotiating with Iran. We are squeezing them,” one US official said, adding that the pressure could eventually push Tehran back to the negotiating table.
