US officials said Rubio described the US policy toward Iran in recent phone calls with counterparts in allied countries. According to the officials, Rubio said the Washington administration does not currently plan to launch new airstrikes against Iran.
Under this assessment, the US administration plans to increase pressure on Tehran through economic tools rather than military action. A naval blockade and new sanctions announced by the Treasury Department were alleged to be the main elements of this approach.
The military retaliation option remains open
A US official claimed that Washington had clearly told its counterparts that it was not planning a new military operation. The same official said the US would continue to keep the option of military retaliation on the table if Iran were to attack first.
Mines in the Strait of Hormuz
Another US official described the US Navy's clearance of mines in the Strait of Hormuz as a major turning point in the conflict. The official claimed that the move had largely neutralized one of Iran's important instruments of pressure.
Economic options could remain the priority until after the US midterm elections, it was alleged. The option of military action against Iran could reportedly return to the agenda after the midterm elections.