Marco Rubio says military action against Iran is unnecessary as diplomatic efforts gain momentum

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said there is no immediate need for further military action against Iran, citing the impact of Washington’s economic pressure as diplomatic efforts to end the eight-month conflict gain momentum.

Speaking after a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris, Rubio said sanctions and restrictions on Iranian ports were severely affecting the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband called for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the ongoing stalemate was causing significant economic damage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, warned of growing international pressure on Israel to accept a nuclear-armed Iran.