Rubio tells allies: no new Iran strikes for now, pressure shifts to sanctions
“By Patrick Lancier”
TL;DR — Nearly six months into the war with Iran, the Trump administration is signaling to allies that it does not intend another round of strikes for now, and is shifting to economic pressure plus control of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Ynet + news agencies, Axios overnight Wednesday: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told several foreign counterparts in recent days that the United States is not expected to initiate new strikes « for the time being ». That does not mean the conflict is over. A U.S. official told Axios Washington is not planning to resume major combat now, and did not rule out a military response if Iran attacks first. Another official: the approach is expected at least until after the November midterms, after which a renewed campaign could return to consideration — a possibility, not a decree. Pause is not withdrawal. The February campaign was joint US-Israeli. Iran remains the threat. This piece invents no death tolls and does not clone the Saudi 123 file.
Rubio to counterparts: no new strikes « for the time being » — pause, not withdrawal
Axios, carried by Ynet: Rubio’s message to several foreign counterparts in recent days is that the U.S. is not expected to start a new strike round for now. A U.S. official stressed there is no plan to resume major combat operations at this time. The same track leaves the door open: a military response is not ruled out if Iran attacks first. El-Ya reads that as a pause in initiation, not a retreat from deterrence. Israel’s partner in the February campaign remains on the map of any response if Tehran fires first.
A second U.S. official said the current approach is expected at least until after the November midterms, after which a renewed campaign could return to consideration. Could. Consideration. Not a calendar of strikes. Not a decree. This desk does not invent a new joint US-Israeli strike. It does not invent deaths.
Sanctions and Hormuz: Economic Outcast, mines cleared, « U.S. controls » the strait
Two fronts in the wire: sanctions plus a maritime blockade; increase Gulf oil through Hormuz. Trump on Tuesday was briefed that all mines in international waters in the strait had been « removed and/or detonated ». Officials: clearing plus more tankers on the southern route has sharply reduced Iran’s leverage. One official, attributed: « The Iranians have lost control over the strait. Now the U.S. controls it. » Officials also said almost no tankers have been observed at Kharg Island — Iran’s main oil-export hub — over the past two weeks, cited as blockade evidence.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s « Operation Economic Outcast »: sanctions on more than 60 people, companies and vessels tied to oil revenue, nuclear and missile technology, and cyber. Also gold, aviation, shipping, tech, digital assets. Quote: « No one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions. » Attribute. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi: Tehran has endured crippling sanctions before — « same movie ». Iran’s president said recently the country « cannot continue the war forever » — differing voices inside Iran, both attributed.
Iran–Oman Hormuz talk: temporary corridor; U.S. officials call a deal « irrelevant »
Iran and Oman on Tuesday reported progress on Hormuz. A temporary joint corridor and joint mine-clearing were proposed. Iranian official Gharibabadi: the strait remains closed as long as the war continues; a temporary route of about 11 km / 7 miles; a permanent route would take 30–60 days of talks; reopening only in exchange for ending the war on all fronts, lifting the blockade, and addressing Yemen’s fate. He warned U.S. minesweepers would be targets. U.S. officials told Axios a possible Iran–Oman deal is effectively « irrelevant ». Attribute both sides. Do not invent a ceasefire.
26 August 2026. Rubio: no new strikes for the time being. Sanctions + Hormuz control. Midterms as a possible review window — possibility, not a decree. Pause is not withdrawal. Response stays if Iran attacks first. February was joint US-Israeli. Iran remains the threat. No Saudi 123 clone. No invented deaths. That is the whole Israel–US file for this hour.
FAQ
Did Rubio say the war with Iran is over?
No. He told counterparts the U.S. is not expected to initiate new strikes « for the time being » (Axios via Ynet). A U.S. official: not planning to resume major combat now; military response not ruled out if Iran attacks first.
What replaces a new strike round for now?
Economic pressure and maritime control of Hormuz: sanctions (Bessent’s Operation Economic Outcast, 60+ targets), blockade evidence at Kharg, mines « removed and/or detonated » in international waters (Trump briefing Tuesday).
Who controls the Strait of Hormuz in this wire?
One U.S. official, attributed: « The Iranians have lost control over the strait. Now the U.S. controls it. » Clearing + more tankers on the southern route reduced Iran leverage, officials said.
What about the Iran–Oman corridor proposal?
Temporary joint corridor (~11 km / 7 miles) and mine-clearing proposed; Gharibabadi sets reopening conditions and warns on U.S. minesweepers. U.S. officials told Axios a possible deal is effectively « irrelevant ».
Is this a withdrawal from Israel’s partner posture?
No. Pause is not withdrawal. Response stays if Iran attacks first. The February campaign was joint US-Israeli. This piece invents no new joint strike and no death tolls.
Sources
“By Patrick Lancier”
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