Rubio Reportedly Tells Allies U.S. Will Pause New Iran Strikes

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several allied foreign ministers that Washington does not expect to initiate new strikes against Iran for the time being, according to a report citing a U.S. official and another person familiar with the calls. The reported policy would emphasize sanctions and maritime pressure instead of a return to major combat operations. Rubio did not rule out strikes if Iran attacks first, the report said. The account also said U.S. officials view increased tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz and mine-clearing operations as reducing Tehran's leverage over energy flows.