The United States sees no need to resume major combat operations against Iran for now, Marco Rubio said, arguing that sanctions and a naval blockade are inflicting growing economic damage and advancing U.S. objectives.

Rubio rejected the idea that holding off on new strikes amounts to a stalemate, while President Trump described the conflict as effectively over militarily and said the United States would maintain the status quo but remain ready to act.

The United States has not ruled out military force: Rubio warned that U.S. forces would respond if Iran crossed “red lines” or took actions that “should not happen.”

Rubio said the pressure is drying up Iran’s oil revenues, with Iranian oil already at sea expected to run out soon, and that U.S. agencies are working to shut down channels used to evade sanctions.

Washington plans to keep increasing economic pressure, which Rubio said also limits Iran’s ability to fund its nuclear program and armed groups.

The United States remains open to a deal, but Rubio called Iran’s current demands—including reparations and cash payments—unacceptable; Iran has called for an end to the war on all fronts, the unfreezing of its assets, the lifting of oil sanctions and an end to the U.S. naval blockade.

Qatar and Pakistan are leading diplomatic efforts, and Qatar’s prime minister described discussions as positive and aimed at reaching a deal and peace in the region.

At the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris, European members urged Rubio to avoid further escalation, while Qatar’s prime minister held separate talks with European and Saudi officials on ending the war.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that the risk of renewed U.S.-Iran escalation remained, and British foreign minister Ed Miliband called for an all-out diplomatic effort and a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Rubio urged countries to help protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran continued to launch drones at vessels and the United States was defending shipping; oil shipments were still flowing at about 80–85 percent of pre-conflict levels on some nights.

The conflict followed U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February 2026, Iranian attacks on U.S. interests and bases in Gulf countries, and the effective closure of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz; a June ceasefire framework faltered over disputes including Iran’s nuclear program and passage through the strait.

As expectations of an immediate return to full-scale U.S. combat receded, Brent crude briefly fell below $90 a barrel, while the U.S. average gasoline price was nearing $4 per gallon.