Two sources familiar with talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and officials from various countries told Israel’s Channel 12 that Washington does not currently expect to launch new offensive strikes against Iran. Instead, the Donald Trump administration’s focus has shifted toward intensifying economic pressure on Tehran and securing maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to these sources, Rubio did not rule out the possibility of U.S. military action should Iran resume military hostilities. This policy shift comes alongside the implementation of new sanctions against the Islamic Republic and Donald Trump’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared of naval mines.
Based on the report, the Trump administration intends to step up economic pressure on Iran at this stage while establishing conditions for normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Yesterday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also announced new secondary sanctions targeting Iran.
Sources familiar with the matter told Channel 12 that this strategic posture is expected to remain in place at least through the U.S. midterm elections in early November, after which the option of a broader military campaign may be reconsidered.
