Rubio backs blockade, Vance wants deal: Is Trump’s team split on Iran war?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said economic pressure against Iran is so effective that major military operations are unnecessary, while Vice President JD Vance reportedly favors a diplomatic deal.
Rubio made his comments after meeting with G7 foreign ministers in Paris, stating that the economic campaign [against Iran] is so devastating that right now there is no need for major combat operations. He emphasized that the US doesn't need military strikes when achieving objectives through economic pressure, adding that the economic pressure on Iran will intensify.
These remarks align with Trump's recent comments on Truth Social, where he said further strikes against Iran were quite unlikely and noted positive momentum toward ending the conflict, while maintaining the US remains locked and loaded should circumstances change.
Divided strategies
A significant divide exists within Trump's administration on Iran strategy. While Rubio advocates for continuing economic pressure, Vance reportedly favors a diplomatic deal with Iran, which Trump believes is not currently possible, according to Reuters.
Trump has settled on a middle approach: intensifying economic pressure while avoiding full-scale military action. This strategy is supported by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Jared Kushner, though some regional allies including Pakistan, Iraq and Turkiye express concerns about the impact on their business interests.
Trump walks away and claims to retain the blockade and sanctions infrastructure, but in reality, allows it to imperceptibly wither away.
Election impact
The Republican Party's midterm defeat has significantly influenced Trump's Iran strategy. Both Trump and Vance acknowledged the war contributed to the loss, with Trump noting voters weren't ready for rising petrol prices.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 71% of Americans, including 93% of Democrats and 51% of Republicans, support congressional legislation to halt the Iran war. Analysts say the defeat dramatically raised the political cost of more escalation and gives Democrats stronger leverage to challenge the war.
If Democrats unite and use their new power aggressively, they can make it increasingly difficult for Trump to continue the war, pressuring him to end it.
Iran's stance
Iranian officials have hardened their rhetoric despite US moves away from military escalation. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the war will not end either through military means or by increasing sanctions, only through using the language of respect. He urged the US to act on Iran's demands.
Iran's top security chief Mohsen Rezaei claimed the US government had been wrecked by the war and called for it to surrender to Iran's demands. Rezaei also accused the US of manufacturing FAKE NEWS about imaginary talks and insisted there were no negotiations occurring.
Despite mixed diplomatic signals, with Qatar reporting mediation progress and Trump suggesting momentum towards the end, Iran remains firm on its conditions, including lifting sanctions, reducing US military presence, reinstating oil waivers, and releasing frozen funds.
Related
