U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the war with Iran has ended despite reports of continuing deadly strikes [1].

The declaration comes as the U.S. shifts its military focus toward a defensive posture to secure the Strait of Hormuz [2]. This transition occurs while reports of strikes over Kuwait and other regional activity persist, creating a divide between official government narratives and the reality on the ground [2].

Rubio said "Operation Epic Fury ... is over" [3]. He said "The war with Iran was over" [1]. According to Rubio, the conflict has entered a new phase centered on maintaining stability and security in critical shipping lanes [2].

However, Democratic lawmakers disagreed with the secretary's assessment of the situation. Some officials said "The conflict is still raging" [3]. These critics argue that the continuation of strikes proves the hostilities have not ceased and that declaring victory is premature [1].

The disagreement highlights a gap in how the administration and its opponents define the conclusion of a military operation. While the U.S. government views the primary objectives of Operation Epic Fury as achieved, observers point to the ongoing violence in the region as evidence of an active conflict [2].

Rubio said no specific details on the transition to the defensive phase beyond the focus on the Strait of Hormuz [2]. The region remains volatile as both sides weigh the implications of the secretary's statement regarding the end of the war [1].

“"Operation Epic Fury ... is over,"”

The disparity between the Secretary of State's declaration and the reported strikes suggests a strategic shift in U.S. rhetoric. By declaring the war over, the administration may be attempting to pivot from active combat to a long-term containment strategy focused on the Strait of Hormuz, even if low-level kinetic activity continues.