Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several of his foreign counterparts in recent days that "for the time being" the US is not expected to initiate new strikes against Iran, according to a US official and a second source with knowledge of the matter, Axios reports.

Instead, he's said the focus is on other means of pressure, including the sanctions initiative announced this week.

The US official said that while Rubio made clear that the US isn't planning a return to major combat operations, he didn't rule out strikes if Iran attacks first.

Efforts are currently underway to avoid military action against Iran for the time being.

A second US official said this is expected to be the policy at least until after the midterm elections, slated for November 3, when a new military campaign could again be on the table.

"Right now we are not negotiating with Iran. We are squeezing them. The pressure could drive the Iranians back to the table," a US official said.