Axios: Rubio rules out new strikes on Iran for now

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several counterparts from allied countries that the United States does not currently plan to launch new military strikes against Iran, in a sign that President Donald Trump’s administration is shifting its focus towards tighter economic pressure and sanctions, according to US officials familiar with the matter.

Rubio said in calls with several allied foreign ministers that Washington is currently focusing on “other means of pressure”, primarily sanctions announced by the Trump administration this week, as well as the naval blockade imposed on Iran, Axios reported.

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The shift comes as Washington says the naval blockade and the removal of mines from large parts of the Strait of Hormuz have reduced Iran’s ability to use the waterway as leverage over global energy markets, while oil tanker traffic through the route has increased.

The US official said that while Rubio made clear that the US isn’t planning a return to major combat operations, he didn’t rule out strikes if Iran attacks first.    

The US sources quoted Rubio as saying that the current policy is based on avoiding military action, increasing economic pressure through the US naval blockade and new sanctions, and seeking to move as much oil as possible through the Strait of Hormuz to global energy markets.

READ: Report: US offers Iran sanctions relief in exchange for reopening Strait of Hormuz