Rubio says US prefers diplomacy as Iran blamed for West Asia instability

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Washington sees no need for further military strikes against Iran, citing effective economic pressure and renewed diplomatic efforts to end the eight-month conflict. He made the remarks after a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Paris. Rubio accused Iran of being the common denominator behind instability across West Asia, including conflicts involving Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias. He said the US economic campaign, including port blockades and oil revenue restrictions, is devastating enough to make major combat operations unnecessary for now. Iran says it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if Washington meets conditions including ending the conflict, unfreezing assets, and lifting oil sanctions. Qatar and Pakistan are leading mediation efforts, while British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband called for a stronger diplomatic push.