Rubio says US does not need major combat against Iran as sanctions and naval blockade work

Summary

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that he told G7 allies the US economic sanctions and naval blockade are working so well that President Donald Trump does not need to conduct major combat operations against Iran. Rubio said there is 'no need' to attack Iran as diplomacy gathers pace, and that squeezing Iran's economy made further attacks unnecessary. Iran claims that no negotiations are taking place with Washington, but Tehran said its offer to reopen Hormuz within two days, if Washington agreed to a raft of conditions, remained on the table.

Timeline

1. RTE

   10 Nov 2026, 17:07 UTCSource ↗

   RTE reports that Rubio told G7 allies the US sanctions and naval blockade are working so well that Trump does not need to conduct major combat operations against Iran, and that Iran claims no negotiations are taking place with Washington.

2. Straits Times

   10 Nov 2026, 23:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Rubio says there is 'no need' to attack Iran as diplomacy gathers pace, and that squeezing Iran's economy made further attacks unnecessary.

3. The Hindu

   11 Nov 2026, 02:36 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that Rubio says 'no need' to attack Iran as diplomacy gathers pace, and that Tehran said its offer to reopen Hormuz within two days, if Washington agreed to a raft of conditions, remained on the table.