US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told allied foreign ministers that Washington does not expect to launch new strikes against Iran for the time being, Axios reported, citing two sources. The reported strategy would emphasize economic and maritime pressure through a US naval blockade, a new Treasury Department sanctions initiative and efforts to move as much Iranian oil as possible through the Strait of Hormuz into global markets. Washington is not planning a return to major combat operations but could respond militarily if Iran attacks first. One US official said the approach could continue until after the US midterm elections, when a renewed military campaign could again become an option. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi disputed US claims that mines had been cleared from the waterway, warned that US mine-sweeping vessels would be targets and said Donald Trump’s comments were intended to calm markets.