Rubio backs blockade, Vance wants deal: Is Trump’s team split on Iran war?

Marco Rubio said US economic pressure on Iran is working so effectively that large-scale military operations are not currently needed. His comments suggest President Donald Trump’s administration is trying to maintain pressure while avoiding a return to an unpopular war, a balancing act sharpened by the Republicans’ midterm defeat.

Trump has described further strikes as unlikely while keeping the US blockade of Iranian ports in place; Vice President JD Vance reportedly favours a deal, which Trump considers unattainable for now. Talks have stalled amid disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and the US military presence. Iran has proposed reopening the strait and restarting negotiations, while analyst Trita Parsi warned that prolonged sanctions and a blockade could preserve an unstable situation and risk renewed conflict.