Rubio tells allies U.S. shifting from strikes to sanctions on Iran
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with counterparts of allied countries about the Iran war. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several of his foreign counterparts in recent days that "for the time being" the U.S. is not expected to initiate new strikes against Iran, according to a U.S. official and a second source with knowledge of the matter.
- Instead, he's said the focus is on other means of pressure, including the sanctions initiative announced this week.
Why it matters: Rubio's message to foreign ministers from several allied countries comes as the U.S. believes it's suffocating Iran with the naval blockade — while moving ever-increasing amounts of oil out of the Strait of Hormuz.
- It's also another sign that President Trump is exasperated with the war and wants it to be over, at least for now.
- The U.S. official said that while Rubio made clear that the U.S. isn't planning a return to major combat operations, he didn't rule out strikes if Iran attacks first.
- Another U.S. official said the clearing of mines from the Strait of Hormuz by the U.S. Navy is a watershed moment in the war, largely neutralizing one of Iran's main sources of leverage.
Behind the scenes: The sources said Rubio outlined the Trump administration's current Iran policy in phone calls with several of his counterparts:
- Avoiding military action against Iran for the time being.
- Increasing economic pressure on Iran through the U.S. naval blockade and the new Treasury Department sanctions push.
- Transporting as much oil as possible through the strait and into global energy markets.
- A second U.S. official said this is expected to be the policy at least until after the midterm elections, when a new military campaign could again be on the table.
State of play: U.S. officials say the clearing of mines from most of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with the fact that more and more tankers have been moving through the southern lane of the strait in recent weeks, significantly reduces Iran's leverage over global energy markets.
- "The Iranians have lost control over the strait. Now the U.S. controls it," one U.S. official said.
- The U.S. naval blockade is depriving Iran of critical revenue. Over the last two weeks, almost no tankers have been spotted at Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub, U.S. officials say.
- "The Iranian economy is in free fall and the regime's military has been decimated," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told Axios, "and we are cutting off every financial lifeline the regime has remaining."
- He added, "The President has been clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and that he will use the tools necessary to ensure that objective is accomplished."
The big picture: Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was in Tehran on Sunday for talks with the Iranian leadership. Pakistan has been a key mediator between the U.S. and Iran since the war began.
- According to Al Arabiya, the Saudi-affiliated TV station, Munir spoke to Trump before the trip and suggested a new proposal for the Iranians.
- The White House didn't deny that Trump spoke to Munir but said there are no current or scheduled negotiations with Iran.
- U.S. officials say that the new developments in the strait and the growing volume of oil coming out of the Gulf have deprived Iran of a major card in any future negotiations and made any potential deal between Oman and Iran regarding the strait irrelevant.
- "Right now we are not negotiating with Iran. We are squeezing them. The pressure could drive the Iranians back to the table," a U.S. official said.
What to watch: White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been leading the negotiations with Iran, are expected to visit U.S. Central Command on Wednesday for briefings on the situation on the ground, according to a source with knowledge.
