Trump's third path on Iran: economic pressure over bombs or deals

President Trump has chosen a third path on Iran, intensifying economic pressure rather than resuming military strikes or accepting a peace deal, according to an Axios report. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the strategy to G7 ministers. Rubio stated the president is not limited to war or a "stupid deal," vowing to continue the current pressure campaign to impose escalating fiscal costs on Tehran. The framework aims to weaken Iran's financial infrastructure to hinder its military financing and reconstruction. The strategy follows months of uncertainty and comes after Trump met Qatar's prime minister, deeming new strikes unlikely. Officials like Rubio and Treasury Secretary Bessent oppose re-escalation, while partners like Turkey and Pakistan reportedly have reservations about the indefinite economic squeeze.