Trump's third option: squeeze Iran's economy without strikes or a deal

President Donald Trump has chosen to intensify economic pressure on Iran rather than resume military strikes or accept a peace deal, according to an Axios report. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined this third option to G7 foreign ministers on Tuesday. Rubio said Washington will continue its existing pressure campaign and tighten financial measures on Tehran, arguing this will weaken Iran's ability to fund armed groups and rebuild military capabilities. He rejected a "stupid deal" and said the president faces no time pressure, as Iran's economy suffers from its own refusal to accept US conditions. The strategy includes maintaining a naval blockade and launching "Iron Gate," an operation targeting smuggling routes for advanced weapons. Key officials like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and CIA Director John Ratcliffe backed this approach, though regional partners including Turkey, Pakistan, and Iraq have expressed reservations about indefinite financial pressure over negotiated settlement.