Rubio sees ‘no need’ for major combat operations against Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified during the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Paris that he did not believe it was necessary to resume large-scale combat operations against Iran. He attributed this assessment to the success of economic sanctions and other restrictions currently imposed on the country. The economic campaign against Iran, Rubio stated, was so devastating that resuming combat operations was no longer required.

President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, explaining that the objective could be achieved through economic means at the moment. However, Rubio warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it crossed any red lines, emphasizing that the US military would be prepared to respond. European G7 members had previously urged Rubio to avoid further escalation against Iran.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani joined the G7 discussions on the sidelines, alongside four European top diplomats and the Saudi foreign minister, discussing the possibility of ending the ongoing conflict with Washington. Trump mentioned after their meeting that there was progress toward ending the war, which began on February 28 following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Rubio noted that the economic pain inflicted on Iran and its regime was significant, with Iranian oil supplies dwindling due to US blockades. He also mentioned that Iran was not realistically considering negotiations, but ultimately, economic realities might lead even the most radical regime to reconsider. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who chaired the meeting, cautioned that the risk of a new escalation between the US and Iran had not been entirely ruled out.

British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband called for a full diplomatic effort to resolve the conflict, warning that the status quo was economically damaging and not a stable equilibrium, advocating for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as an energy transit hub.