Rubio confirms Epic Fury over; U.S. responding defensively in Strait of Hormuz

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Operation Epic Fury has concluded, stating that the U.S. is now in a defensive phase in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation's initial objectives were to dismantle Iran's military infrastructure and prevent its nuclear weapon development, not necessarily to ensure the free flow of oil through the strait. Despite a ceasefire initiated by the U.S. in April, Iran has continued to disrupt maritime traffic. In response, President Trump launched Project Freedom, a separate and defensive operation aimed at stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio emphasized that Project Freedom is strictly defensive, with U.S. forces only engaging if fired upon first. Following an Iranian attack on U.S. warships, the U.S. retaliated by sinking seven Iranian fast boats. Rubio highlighted that U.S. involvement is in response to requests from multiple nations seeking assistance in navigating the strait and restoring freedom of navigation. He also asserted that American actions serve national interests by upholding international law, as Iran's actions to control the waterway are illegal and unacceptable. The U.S. military is currently guiding commercial ships through the strait and working to end Iran's efforts to hold the global economy hostage.