US sanctions inflicting ‘extraordinary economic pain’ on Iran, no need for major combat ops: Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed to G7 foreign ministers on Tuesday that the United States would continue imposing "devastating" economic penalties on Iran, citing alternatives beyond war or accepting Iran's demands, according to four G7 diplomats. The comments emerged during a gathering in Paris of foreign ministers from the Group of Seven, encompassing Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the European Union.

The diplomats reported that Rubio employed forceful language when referring to Iranian authorities, with two describing them as "lunatics." Rubio reportedly stated that, instead of reinstating the war or yielding to Iran's demands, Washington's present strategy of stringent economic sanctions is effective and curtails Tehran's capacity to finance its regional activities and proxies.

One diplomat stated, "Rubio stated that they will persist in imposing... (economic) costs on Iran." G7 ministers pressed Rubio on Iran and Ukraine during the Paris discussions. This followed US President Donald Trump's announcement the previous day of suspending new military strikes against Iran pending consultations from regional nations, including Qatar's prime minister during White House conversations.

Trump also affirmed his intent to maintain the naval quarantine around Iran in the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, a crucial liaison with Iran, made an unexpected appearance at the G7 foreign ministers' session in Paris, meeting with ministers from European nations and Saudi Arabia.

According to two European diplomats, Sheikh Mohammed conveyed cautious optimism following his discussions in Washington that a diplomatic resolution to the crisis remained viable rather than an escalation of the conflict. Iran subsequently unveiled a two-day peace proposal, which the United States rejected on its terms. Certain of Trump's top advisors, including Rubio, newly appointed White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, support the policy of sustaining significant economic pressure on Iran, according to one diplomat.

Vice President JD Vance, who attributes Republican losses in the recent midterm elections to the Iran war, prefers a deal with Iran but believes Trump presently doubts the feasibility of a sustainable agreement. The White House declined to offer a response.