Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the military campaign known as “Operation Epic Fury” — described as coordinated US-Israeli strikes against Iran — has officially concluded.
Speaking at a White House briefing on Tuesday, Rubio said the United States had achieved its core objectives and does not intend to resume combat operations or escalate the situation further.
He told reporters that Congress had been briefed on the development, stating: “The operation is over. Epic Fury… we are done with that stage of it.”
According to Rubio, during the operation US forces targeted and destroyed Iran’s short-range ballistic missile systems, launch facilities, production sites, and elements of its naval capabilities. He said the strikes were intended to prevent Iran from developing what he described as a protective military shield around its nuclear programme.
Rubio added that Washington is now entering a new phase referred to as “Project Freedom,” which focuses on securing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz through defensive naval escorts.
He emphasized that the United States has no plans to re-enter active combat and would only respond if attacked, describing the current posture as strictly defensive.
The US Secretary of State said Iran had not yet issued an official response to his remarks.
The escalation began after US and Israeli military action launched on February 28, which triggered Iranian retaliatory strikes against US forces, Israel, and allied positions in the Gulf region. The conflict also disrupted maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire, reportedly mediated by Pakistan, came into effect on April 8, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a long-term settlement. The truce was later extended, while Washington began enforcing naval measures in the region.
Rubio said the ongoing maritime pressure is causing significant economic strain on Iran, estimating daily losses at around $430 million. He described the current phase as defensive in nature.
He warned Iran against interfering in global shipping routes, saying it has no authority over the Strait of Hormuz and cannot disrupt international maritime traffic.
