US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Tuesday that the Trump administration's economic sanctions and naval blockade have proven so effective against Iran that major combat operations are no longer needed.

Speaking to reporters after a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Paris, Rubio said the economic campaign is inflicting extraordinary and growing pain on the Iranian regime. "The economic campaign against Iran is so devastating that right now there is no need for major combat operations," he said. "That's what I told our allies here today."

Rubio emphasized that President Donald Trump has reached the same conclusion, achieving key objectives through economic means rather than renewed strikes. Iranian oil supplies are drying up due to the US blockade, and the regime has never before faced such inability to sell energy on global markets.

The remarks come amid an eight-month conflict that began February 28 following the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Trump has signaled positive momentum toward resolution after talks with Qatari mediators, and Rubio noted that regional allies support the current approach.

Rubio stressed that the US military remains ready to respond if Iran crosses unspecified red lines, warning Tehran would face a terrible price. He pushed back against notions of stalemate, arguing that sustained economic pressure compounds daily and continues to weaken the regime.

European G7 partners urged restraint during the Paris meetings to avoid escalation. Rubio also noted that further sanctions effects will intensify as remaining Iranian oil on the water is exhausted.

The strategy aligns with the administration's focus on maximum pressure, demonstrating that economic tools can deliver results comparable to military action while preserving US forces for defensive needs.