US shifts to economic pressure on Iran, Rubio rules out new strikes for now

The Trump administration has told allies it does not currently plan new strikes on Iran, shifting focus to economic pressure after months of military action, Reuters reported Tuesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed this to allied foreign ministers as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent rolls out sweeping sanctions targeting nearly 60 entities linked to Iran's oil trade, military procurement and cyber operations. The measures expand secondary sanctions into digital assets, gold, technology, aviation and shipping. The campaign aims to cut Iran off from the global economy, with China buying over 80% of Iranian oil posing a key test. War Secretary Pete Hegseth said military force remains an option, while the naval blockade continues.