No need for major strikes on Iran as sanctions inflict ‘extraordinary pain’, says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said Washington saw no immediate need to resume major military operations against Iran, arguing that American sanctions and economic restrictions were inflicting extraordinary damage on Tehran and achieving objectives that would otherwise require military action.

Speaking after meetings with G7 foreign ministers in Paris, Rubio said the economic campaign against Iran had become sufficiently effective for President Donald Trump to conclude that renewed large-scale strikes were unnecessary at present.

He said he had conveyed the same assessment to Washington's allies, emphasising that the United States would continue applying economic pressure while keeping military options available.

"The economic campaign (against Iran) is so devastating that right now there is no need for major combat operations," Rubio said.

The US Secretary of State maintained that the pressure on Iran's economy would intensify in the coming days, blaming the Iranian leadership for the hardship being experienced by the country's population.

He accused Tehran of pursuing policies that had isolated the country economically and damaged its ability to participate in international energy markets.

𝗨𝗦 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲

Rubio said the Trump administration believed its objectives were being advanced through economic measures rather than additional military operations.

He argued that sanctions and restrictions on Iranian energy exports had significantly weakened Tehran's economic position, with the effects expected to worsen over time.

Rubio described the economic pressure on Iran as extraordinary and said the country's leadership was responsible for the consequences.

However, he cautioned that Washington had not ruled out the use of force.

The US military remained prepared to respond if Iran crossed American red lines, he said, without specifying what developments could trigger renewed operations.

His remarks indicated that Washington was maintaining a strategy of economic coercion while leaving open the possibility of further military intervention.

𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀

Rubio's comments followed Trump's decision to postpone additional military strikes against Iran amid renewed diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

The US president said there was positive momentum towards a settlement after meeting Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

Qatar and Pakistan have been involved in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran and identifying a possible framework for ending hostilities.

The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran against American interests and military facilities in Gulf countries.

Iran also imposed severe restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for global oil shipments.

Although a ceasefire framework was reached in June, it subsequently unravelled amid disagreements over Iran's nuclear programme and maritime access through the strait.

The continuing confrontation has disrupted energy markets and raised concerns about regional security and the economic consequences of prolonged hostilities.

𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳

Iran, meanwhile, called on Washington to address its demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reaching a broader settlement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the confrontation could not be resolved through intensified military action and urged the United States to pursue diplomacy.

Tehran has called for an end to hostilities across all fronts, the release of frozen Iranian assets, the removal of oil-related sanctions and the termination of the American naval blockade of Iranian ports.

The Iranian government has maintained that these conditions are necessary for a sustainable agreement.

The differences between the two sides remain substantial, particularly over sanctions, maritime security and Iran's nuclear activities.

While Washington believes economic pressure is strengthening its negotiating position, Tehran has insisted that sanctions relief and security assurances must form part of any settlement.

Rubio's latest remarks suggest that the Trump administration is prepared to continue its economic campaign rather than immediately escalate military operations, even as diplomatic efforts to end the eight-month conflict remain uncertain.