Marco Rubio Says Iran Sanctions Could Avoid New US Strikes
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington does not currently need major military operations against Iran because American sanctions and a naval blockade are putting increasing pressure on Tehran’s economy. Speaking in Paris on Tuesday, November 10, Rubio said President Donald Trump could achieve his objectives through economic measures without immediately resuming large-scale attacks.
Rubio Says US Sanctions Are Weakening Iran’s Economy
Following two days of meetings with G7 allies, Rubio argued that American economic restrictions were causing substantial financial damage to Iran.
He said the pressure was intensifying daily, particularly because restrictions were limiting Iran’s ability to sell energy internationally.
Rubio rejected suggestions that suspending military operations represented a stalemate, maintaining that economic measures could achieve Washington’s objectives without additional strikes.
Trump Pauses Iran Strikes After Qatar’s Diplomatic Appeal
Trump announced on Monday that he would temporarily hold off on further military strikes following appeals from Middle Eastern governments.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani was among the regional leaders urging restraint during White House discussions.
Rubio said Trump had also received assessments from regional allies supporting continued economic pressure.
However, the administration has not announced an agreement with Tehran or a permanent end to military operations.
US Officials Divided Over Iran War Strategy
Several senior Trump administration officials reportedly favour maintaining economic restrictions rather than launching another military offensive.
White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are among those supporting continued pressure, while Vice President JD Vance reportedly prefers a negotiated agreement.
Trump remains doubtful that an acceptable deal with Iran is currently possible.
The debate follows Republican losses in the November 3 midterm elections, with Trump acknowledging that the Iran war contributed to the outcome.
Vance has also publicly identified the conflict as a major reason for the party’s electoral setbacks.
