United States Rules Out Major Strikes on Iran as Economic Pressure Mounts

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Washington sees no immediate need for major military operations against Iran because severe sanctions are already inflicting extraordinary economic pain on Tehran.

Speaking after a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Paris, Rubio said President Donald Trump concluded that America's objectives were being achieved through economic measures rather than combat.

The eight-month conflict began when United States and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran in February, prompting Tehran to retaliate against bases in Gulf countries and block navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The closure of the major energy shipping route sent oil prices soaring, which contributed to Republican losses in the midterm elections.

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

Washington announced an economic asphyxiation campaign in August to financially strangle Iran, and treasury officials are now working with intelligence agencies to shut down alternative trading arrangements.

Rubio warned that Iran could soon lose almost all its oil revenue as shipments that escaped the Unitedase blockade are exhausted.

Diplomatic efforts are currently being led by Qatar and Pakistan, and President Trump recently reported positive momentum toward ending the war following a meeting with the Qatari prime minister.

Iran maintains that its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days remains on the table if Washington meets specific conditions.

Tehran's demands include ending the war on all fronts, unfreezing assets, lifting oil sanctions, and ending the naval blockade on Iranian ports.

"The only solution is to adopt a language of respect, engage in diplomacy, and address Iran's demands and conditions," said Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister.

Rubio dismissed the conditions from Tehran as outrageous and ridiculous, accusing the Iranian leadership of bringing the crisis upon its own population.

While Washington has tapered down threats of renewed strikes, President Trump warned that American forces remain locked and ready to act if conditions change.