U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told several of his counterparts in allied nations in recent days that the United States is not expected "for now" to initiate new strikes on Iran, and that the administration is focusing on other pressure measures - including the naval blockade and new sanctions announced this week. This was reported by Axios, citing American sources. According to the report, Rubio clarified that Washington is not planning at this stage to return to large-scale combat, but did not rule out strikes if Iran attacks first. Another American official said this is expected to be the policy at least until after the midterm elections. In addition, administration officials claim that clearing mines from most of the Strait of Hormuz and the increase in oil tanker traffic through it have significantly reduced Iran's bargaining power.