Rubio says “no need” for more strikes on Iran due to “economic pain”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said further military strikes against Iran are unnecessary because the economic pressure inflicted by American sanctions and a naval blockade has severely weakened the Iranian leadership.
Speaking on Friday at the Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention in Washington, Rubio reinforced President Donald Trump’s earlier assessment that the conflict is “militarily effectively over.” “And right now, frankly, the economic pain that we are inflicting on that regime is so great that there’s no need for military action because we’ve weakened them so much,” Rubio said.
“But I think victory is ensuring that they never have a nuclear weapon.”
The comments build on statements Rubio made earlier in the week after meetings with G7 foreign ministers in Paris.
There he told allies that US economic measures and the naval blockade were working so effectively that major combat operations were not required.
“The economic pain that is being inflicted on Iran right now is extraordinary, and it compounds. It’s growing every day,” he said.
“We don’t need to conduct military strikes if we’re achieving the same objective through economic means and economic pressure. That’s not stalemate.”
Rubio noted that Iran faces unprecedented difficulty selling energy on global markets due to the blockade and sanctions enforcement.
He said remaining oil stocks that slipped through during a brief earlier period of reduced tensions are dwindling, and that Treasury efforts continue to close off evasion channels.
Trump had indicated earlier in the week that he would hold off on new strikes after appeals from regional partners, including Qatar’s prime minister.
The secretary of state acknowledged the economic costs the conflict has imposed on Americans and the global economy through higher fuel prices and broader disruption.
He said Trump could have deferred addressing Iran’s nuclear program but chose not to leave the issue unresolved.
“But it’s hard,” Rubio said.
“It’s not easy and it’s difficult. And oftentimes it inflicts, you know, pain, economic pain and otherwise. So we recognize that.”
US officials have maintained that the military remains prepared to respond if Iran crosses unspecified “red lines.”
Diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators continue, though Rubio has described current Iranian demands as unrealistic.
The war, which began earlier this year, has involved US and ‘Israeli’ strikes, Iranian responses, and sustained pressure on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio’s remarks signal a continued US preference for economic leverage over renewed large-scale military action while keeping the option of force available.
Officials emphasize that the pressure campaign is designed to intensify over time.
