Paris: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that another major military operation against Iran is not necessary, arguing that Washington's economic sanctions and sustained pressure are already severely affecting Tehran's economy. He warned that Iran's financial situation could deteriorate further over the coming months as US restrictions continue to tighten.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Paris, Rubio said the economic pressure imposed by the United States was placing Iran under considerable strain. According to him, the impact of sanctions is expected to become increasingly severe in the next one to three months.
Iran's Oil Revenue Could Face a Major Setback
Rubio claimed that Iran's limited crude oil exports during a temporary ceasefire had provided some financial relief to the country. However, he warned that once this temporary window ends, Tehran could face a complete halt in oil revenues.
The US Secretary of State also said that the American Treasury Department, working alongside intelligence agencies, was taking coordinated measures to shut down alternative channels used by Iran to evade sanctions.
According to Rubio, Washington is determined to prevent Iran from bypassing economic restrictions and accessing revenue through unofficial or alternative export routes.
Rubio Blames Iranian Leadership for Economic Crisis
Holding Iran's leadership responsible for the country's current economic difficulties, Rubio argued that Tehran's policies and actions had contributed significantly to its worsening situation.
He warned that Iran could face even greater financial difficulties in the coming months if the current pressure continues.
Rubio maintained that the United States was prepared to pursue diplomatic negotiations but accused Iran of failing to approach discussions with sufficient seriousness.
US Open to Diplomacy, Rubio Says
Despite the escalating economic pressure, Rubio said Washington remained open to diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
However, he suggested that meaningful negotiations would require Iran to demonstrate genuine willingness to engage and address the concerns raised by the United States.
The remarks indicate that Washington continues to favour economic pressure and diplomatic engagement over launching another large-scale military operation against Iran.
Rubio Rejects Iran's Compensation Demand
Reacting to Iran's demand for compensation, Rubio dismissed the claim as unreasonable.
He argued that Iran should instead be held accountable for the instability it has allegedly contributed to across the Middle East over several decades.
According to Rubio, Tehran should be responsible for compensating others rather than seeking financial compensation itself.
Economic Pressure Remains Washington's Key Strategy
Rubio's remarks highlight the continued importance of economic sanctions in Washington's approach towards Iran.
The US administration appears determined to intensify financial pressure, restrict oil revenues and limit Tehran's ability to circumvent sanctions while keeping the possibility of diplomatic negotiations open.
The coming months could prove crucial in determining whether the growing economic pressure leads Iran towards negotiations or further deepens tensions between Washington and Tehran.
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