US shifts from Iran strikes to economic and maritime pressure, Rubio tells allies

The United States has informed allies it will not launch new military strikes on Iran "for now," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, shifting to economic and maritime pressure instead. The shift is significant, though military action remains possible if Tehran strikes first. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports and economic measures will intensify, with the policy may last through November midterm elections. Washington claims Iran's ability to disrupt Strait of Hormuz, clearing mines, tanker traffic increased, tanker traffic.