Rubio Rules Out New US Strikes on Iran for Now, Axios Reports

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told allied foreign ministers that the United States does not currently plan to launch new military strikes against Iran, according to US officials cited by Axios.

Instead, the Trump administration is focusing on what it describes as “other means of pressure”, particularly new economic sanctions and a US naval blockade involving Iran.

The reported policy shift comes as Washington argues that the blockade and mine-clearing operations in parts of the Strait of Hormuz have reduced Iran’s ability to use the crucial waterway as leverage over global energy markets. Oil tanker traffic through the strait has reportedly increased.

US officials said Rubio made clear that Washington is not preparing for a return to major combat operations at this stage. However, he reportedly did not rule out military strikes if Iran launches an attack first.

The current US approach therefore combines economic pressure, naval measures and efforts to keep oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz, while avoiding another major military confrontation with Tehran.

The development comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions and competing efforts to find a diplomatic solution over the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions.