Rubio Tells G7 US Will Keep Economic Pressure on Iran
Diplomats said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told G7 foreign ministers in Paris that sanctions are limiting Tehran’s ability to fund its regional activities, while Qatar voiced cautious optimism about diplomacy.
Rubio told G7 foreign ministers in Paris the US will keep imposing economic costs on Iran, diplomats say, as Qatar voices cautious optimism on diplomacy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris on Tuesday that Washington will keep imposing “devastating” economic costs on Iran, according to diplomats cited by Reuters. The diplomats spoke anonymously.
Rubio’s Message
According to the diplomats, Rubio said the United States has options beyond resuming the war or accepting Iranian demands it considers unacceptable. He argued that tough economic sanctions are working by limiting Tehran’s ability to fund its regional activities and proxies.
Trump’s Position
President Donald Trump said he would hold off on new military strikes on Iran for now, after appeals from regional countries, including Qatar’s prime minister. Trump also plans to maintain a naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz for now.
Qatar’s Role
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, a key intermediary with Iran, made an unscheduled stop at the Paris meeting. He met European ministers and Saudi Arabia’s representative. According to two European diplomats, he expressed cautious optimism that a diplomatic solution remains possible.
White House Response
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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