U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled the possibility of escalating pressure on Iran, describing current sanctions as already “exceptional” while leaving the door open for further measures.
In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Rubio stressed that the scope of sanctions imposed on Tehran is significant and could still be intensified. Responding to a question about Washington’s course of action if no agreement is reached, he said the decision ultimately rests with Donald Trump, noting that additional steps remain an option.
Rubio suggested that Iranian leadership appears intent on finding a way out of its current predicament, adding that the challenges facing Iran prior to the latest tensions have either persisted or worsened. He also claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have been weakened, pointing to a reduction in missile capacity and the absence of key infrastructure.
He further highlighted uncertainties surrounding Iran’s leadership, stating that any potential change in governance would have to come from within the country itself.
Addressing the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio described it as an “economic nuclear weapon” that Iran is attempting to leverage on the global stage. He clarified that U.S. measures do not target global shipping broadly, but rather focus on Iranian shipments, arguing that Tehran should not be the sole beneficiary of what he described as an unlawful system of control and taxation in the vital maritime corridor.
Meanwhile, CNN reported, citing informed sources, that mediators are intensifying efforts to push both Washington and Tehran toward an agreement. According to these sources, the coming days are expected to be particularly decisive.
Despite concerns that the United States could consider a return to military confrontation with Iran, sources indicated that the gap between the two sides may not be as wide as it appears.
