The United States does not currently expect to launch new strikes against Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several allied foreign ministers, signalling a shift towards economic and maritime pressure as efforts to end the conflict remain deadlocked, Axios reported.

According to US officials cited by Axios, Rubio said Washington would, “for the time being”, refrain from initiating fresh military action against Iran. Instead, the Trump administration plans to rely more heavily on a naval blockade, sanctions and efforts to keep oil shipments moving through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The approach reflects an apparent effort by Washington to intensify economic pressure on Tehran while avoiding a return to large-scale combat operations. However, US officials said military action has not been taken off the table if Iran launches an attack first.

US Tightens Pressure Around Strait Of Hormuz

The United States believes its military campaign around the Strait of Hormuz has substantially weakened one of Iran’s main sources of leverage over global energy markets. American forces have been clearing mines from the waterway, while a growing number of tankers have reportedly started using the southern passage.

US officials have described the increased tanker movement as a significant development, arguing that Iran’s ability to disrupt energy flows through the strait has been sharply reduced.

The naval blockade has also severely restricted Iran’s oil exports. American officials said very few tankers have been seen in recent weeks at Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export terminal.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the administration was cutting off what he described as the Iranian regime’s remaining financial lifelines. He also reiterated President Donald Trump’s position that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Sanctions Become Key Tool Against Tehran

Alongside the maritime pressure campaign, Washington has expanded its economic measures against Iran. The US announced additional sanctions this week and warned countries and businesses dealing with Tehran that they could eventually face penalties.

Officials cited by Axios said the current strategy could continue at least until the November midterm elections, after which Washington could consider resuming a more extensive military campaign.

Iran has rejected the US pressure campaign, calling efforts to isolate its economy unlawful. Oil prices declined for a second consecutive day as markets appeared to assess the immediate impact of the latest US sanctions threat as limited.

The conflict has already resulted in thousands of deaths, most of them in Iran and Lebanon. US and Israeli military operations have also significantly weakened Iran’s conventional military capabilities, while the status of the country’s nuclear programme remains unclear.

Iran And Oman Discuss Hormuz Shipping Corridor

Against the backdrop of continuing tensions, Iran and Oman have resumed talks on managing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries said they had discussed creating a temporary navigational corridor and agreed to cooperate on clearing mines from the waterway.

The strait, which carried a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the conflict, has remained largely closed to normal commercial traffic.

Although major hostilities between the US and Iran have eased, diplomatic efforts to secure a broader settlement remain stalled. The security situation around the waterway also remains fragile.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said an oil tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile on Tuesday and disabled approximately nine nautical miles northeast of Oman’s Ash Shishah, near the entrance to the strait.

Trump has said mines in the waterway have been cleared, while Washington maintains that the rise in tanker traffic demonstrates that Iran has lost much of its ability to use the strait as leverage.

Pakistan Steps Up Mediation Efforts

Diplomatic activity has continued despite the absence of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, travelled to Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian leaders as Islamabad continues its mediating role between the two sides.

Saudi-affiliated broadcaster Al Arabiya reported that Munir spoke with Trump before travelling to Iran and presented a possible proposal to the Iranian side. The White House did not deny that Trump had spoken with Munir, but said there were no ongoing or scheduled negotiations with Tehran.

A US official characterised Washington’s current approach as one of pressure rather than diplomacy, with the aim of squeezing Iran economically and potentially compelling Tehran to return to the negotiating table.

US Eases Diplomatic Preparations As War Support Falls

Washington has also begun returning some personnel to US diplomatic missions in the Middle East that had previously been evacuated or reduced because of the conflict. The move indicates that the administration currently assesses the risk of an immediate escalation to be lower, although some missions are initially expected to operate with reduced staffing.

The reduction in US military preparations comes as domestic support for the conflict has weakened. Reuters-Ipsos polling has shown declining approval of the war and falling support for Trump ahead of the November congressional elections.

With fresh strikes currently on hold, Washington’s strategy is increasingly centred on sanctions, maritime pressure and restricting Iran’s economic lifelines, while keeping the possibility of military action open if the conflict escalates again.

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