Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday that the U.S. combat operation known as "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran has ended [1].
The shift marks a transition from active combat to a security-focused mission intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. This move comes as the U.S. attempts to stabilize one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints following months of volatility.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., Rubio said the objectives of Operation Epic Fury had been achieved [1]. The combat operation was originally launched in February 2026 [1]. "The operation is over. Epic Fury, as the president notified Congress, we’re done with that stage of it," Rubio said [1].
The administration is now shifting its focus to a new phase called "Project Freedom" [2]. Rubio said this initiative is designed to ensure the safety of commercial navigation in the region. He said the new phase is not intended to provoke further conflict.
"This is not an offensive operation. There's no shooting unless we're shot at first," Rubio said [3].
The transition occurs amid a fragile security environment. Ten civilian sailors have died in the Strait of Hormuz [4]. The U.S. is now prioritizing the reopening of the waterway to prevent further loss of life, and economic disruption.
Despite the announcement, some observers suggest the conflict remains unresolved. Leon Panetta said the U.S. is "still at war" in response to the Secretary of State's statement [3]. Rubio said the U.S. is moving forward with the new strategy, stating, "We’re now on to this Project Freedom" [2].
“"The operation is over. Epic Fury, as the president notified Congress, we’re done with that stage of it."”
The transition from Operation Epic Fury to Project Freedom represents a strategic pivot from offensive combat to a defensive posture. By focusing on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. is prioritizing the restoration of global energy markets and maritime law over the direct military degradation of Iranian assets. However, the disagreement between current administration officials and former officials like Leon Panetta indicates a lack of consensus on whether the underlying conflict has actually reached a resolution or is merely entering a period of unstable ceasefire.
