US halts Iran strikes 'for time being,' as focus shifts to economic sanctions, Rubio says – report

The United States has halted military strikes against Iran "for the time being," according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as reported by Axios. This shift in strategy, expected to last until after the US midterm elections on November 3, focuses on economic pressure through "Operation Economic Outcast." This initiative, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aims to "sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone." The operation will target five key Iranian sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. A US official stated that the US Navy's clearing of mines in the Strait of Hormuz has also removed a key point of Iranian leverage, with one official quoted saying, "The Iranians have lost control over the strait. Now the US controls it."