![U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks in the Treaty Room at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on August 4, 2026. [Mehmet Eser - Anadolu Agency]](<a href=)
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AA-20260804-42141341-42141336-US_SECRETARY_OF_STATE_MARCO_RUBIO_AND_PARAGUAYAN_FOREIGN_MINISTER_SIGN_CIVIL_NUCLEAR_MOU.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="1200" />
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.
READ: Iran responds to US threats, says it is ready for any scenario The shift comes as Washington says the naval blockade and the removal of mines from […]