Axios reports Secretary of State Rubio has told allied officials the US does not
currently expect to launch new military strikes against Iran. The Trump
administration’s current approach is to temporarily avoid military action and
instead tighten economic pressure via a US naval blockade and a new round of
Treasury sanctions while pushing to keep as much oil as possible flowing through
the Strait of Hormuz. US officials say clearing most sea mines in the Strait and
rising tanker traffic via southern routes have materially reduced Iran’s
leverage over global energy markets; a US official said, "Iran has lost control
of the Strait, and now the US controls it." Officials add the blockade is
cutting off key Iranian revenue, with few tankers seen near Iran’s main export
hub Kharg Island in the past two weeks. Rubio said there is no plan to resume
large-scale military operations now but the US retains strike options if Iran
strikes first; another US official said the policy is expected to remain at
least until the midterm elections, after which military options could be
revisited.
