Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the U.S. military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury has ended [1].
The conclusion of the operation marks a significant shift in U.S. strategy toward Iran, signaling a transition from active military engagement to a precarious ceasefire.
Speaking from the White House briefing room podium, Rubio said that the operation's end does not resolve all tensions. He specifically noted that nuclear material remains a critical issue that must be addressed [1]. Rubio also warned the leadership in Iran not to test President Trump [1].
Operation Epic Fury had been active for approximately two months before its conclusion [4]. The campaign was designed to signal U.S. strength and caution Iran against further provocations toward the administration [1, 2].
While Rubio focused on the conclusion of the military operation and the remaining nuclear concerns, other administration officials provided updates on the current diplomatic state. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire is holding [2].
"Operation Epic Fury is over, nuclear material has to be addressed," Rubio said [1].
The administration's dual approach involves maintaining a fragile peace through the ceasefire, while continuing to demand the resolution of Iran's nuclear capabilities. The warning issued by Rubio suggests that while the specific operation has ceased, the U.S. remains prepared to respond to new provocations [1, 2].
“"Operation Epic Fury is over, nuclear material has to be addressed,"”
The end of Operation Epic Fury indicates a move away from direct military escalation, but the insistence on addressing nuclear materials suggests that the U.S. will not grant full diplomatic normalization without concessions on Iran's nuclear program. The reliance on a 'holding' ceasefire indicates a volatile stability where any miscalculation could reignite conflict.
