Axios reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told foreign counterparts the US was not expected to continue striking Iran “for the time being,” focusing instead on sanctions and economic pressure. The article links the shift to Iran’s currency drop to a record-low open-market rate of 2.02 million rials to the dollar and cites claims of severe inflation.
WHO:Marco Rubio; US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott; Lynette Nusbacher
WHAT:Rubio said the US would focus on sanctions and economic pressure rather than continuing airstrikes against Iran “for the time being.”
WHEN:Reported Aug 25, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:The shift is presented as a response to the apparent impact of the US blockade and sanctions campaign, alongside claims that Iran’s economy is in free fall and its military has been decimated.
Reporting from 1 identified publisher for this event.
