US Declares ‘Operation Epic Fury’ Over as Trump Pauses Hormuz Mission Amid Iran Peace Talks
The United States has officially announced the end of “Operation Epic Fury,” the military campaign launched earlier this year in response to escalating tensions with Iran over the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a White House briefing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the operation, which began on February 28, had successfully achieved its objectives.
“The operation is over,” Rubio told reporters, adding that President Donald Trump had already informed Congress about the decision. “We’re done with that stage of it,” he said.
Rubio explained that the United States has now shifted from an offensive military posture to a largely defensive approach focused on restoring safe commercial movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
“This is not an offensive operation,” Rubio said. “There’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first.”
The announcement comes at a time when Washington and Tehran are engaged in efforts to negotiate a broader agreement aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait, which has remained partially blocked since the conflict escalated earlier this year.
Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, Iran effectively tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, severely disrupting global shipping traffic.
Thousands of commercial vessels were left stranded outside the narrow waterway, triggering a sharp spike in global oil prices that crossed the 125-dollar-per-barrel mark.
The prolonged disruption raised concerns across global markets, especially in countries heavily dependent on energy imports, including India.
Despite repeated diplomatic and strategic pressure from the US and its allies, Iran initially refused to fully reopen the route.
However, Tehran reportedly allowed selective passage for certain ships, including vessels heading towards India.
Iran also introduced legislation in its parliament aimed at monetising transit through the Strait, a move criticised internationally as a violation of maritime norms and international shipping laws.
In response to the growing crisis, the Trump administration launched “Operation Project Freedom” on May 4, 2026.
The mission was aimed at ensuring safe passage for thousands of stranded sailors and commercial ships trapped in the Persian Gulf for more than two months.
According to US officials, nearly 23,000 mariners from 87 countries had been affected by the blockade.
Rubio described Project Freedom as a mission designed to restore the normal flow of global trade rather than intensify military confrontation with Iran.
However, amid ongoing diplomatic discussions, President Trump has now temporarily paused the operation to facilitate the release of stranded ships and allow negotiations with Iran to move forward.
At the same time, the United States and several Gulf nations have reportedly introduced a revised draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council seeking international pressure on Iran over the Hormuz blockade.
According to reports, the revised proposal has been modified to reduce the chances of a veto from China and Russia.
The draft resolution reportedly calls on Iran to stop attacks, mining activities, and toll collection in the Strait of Hormuz and to allow unhindered humanitarian and commercial passage through the waterway.
It also warns of possible sanctions if Iran continues to obstruct maritime traffic.
Global financial and energy markets are now closely watching the outcome of these diplomatic efforts, as the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains critical for international oil supplies and global trade stability.
