US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several of his foreign counterparts in recent days that "for the time being" the U.S. is not expected to initiate new strikes against Iran.

Axar.az reports, citing Axios, that according to a U.S. official and a second source with knowledge of the matter, instead, he's said the focus is on other means of pressure, including the sanctions initiative announced this week.

Rubio's message to foreign ministers from several allied countries comes as the U.S. believes it's suffocating Iran with the naval blockade — while moving ever-increasing amounts of oil out of the Strait of Hormuz.