Lead

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Operation Epic Fury, the US-Israeli military offensive against Iran, has concluded after achieving its objectives, according to multiple reports.

"The Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation," Rubio told reporters at the White House, as quoted by Al Jazeera and the BBC. He added that Washington prefers "the path of peace" and that President Donald Trump would prefer a deal with Tehran.

However, the announcement came amid escalating incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz, raising questions about the durability of the month-old ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera, the BBC, and France 24 all reported Rubio's statement, though their framing varied slightly. Al Jazeera emphasised the "frantic diplomatic backchannelling" and the role of Pakistan in facilitating talks. The BBC focused on the operational conclusion and the ongoing threats to shipping. France 24 highlighted Washington's warning of a "devastating" response to any new attacks, alongside Iran's defiant rhetoric.

All three outlets noted that Operation Epic Fury began on February 28 with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran, which Tehran answered by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil passes.

Key Claims

  • US declares end of offensive: Rubio said Operation Epic Fury has concluded, but US military officials, including General Dan Caine, head of US Central Command, said forces remain "ready to resume major combat operations... if ordered." Caine was quoted by France 24 saying, "No adversary should mistake our current restraint with a lack of resolve."
  • Strait of Hormuz tensions: Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy warned of a "firm response" if ships deviated from its approved route through the strait, a claim reported by France 24. The US has said it aims to guide stranded ships out of the Gulf through the largely closed waterway, as per the BBC.
  • Missile and drone incidents: The UAE said its air defences engaged missiles and drones from Iran for a second day, and accused Tehran of firing on an oil port in Fujairah, calling it a "dangerous escalation," according to the BBC. Iran "categorically" denied these accusations, with a military spokesman saying, "If such an action had been taken, we would have announced it firmly and clearly," as quoted by France 24. France 24 also reported that Iran fired missiles and drones at US forces on Monday, though this claim was not independently verified.
  • Iran's stance: Iran's parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Ghalibaf, said the status quo is "intolerable" for America, adding, "We are just getting started," as reported by the BBC and Al Jazeera. He also said shipping security and energy transit have been jeopardised by US and its allies' ceasefire violations and blockade.
  • Diplomatic efforts: Pakistan has been trying to arrange direct talks between Iran and the US, with a first round held in Islamabad last month ending without resolution, according to Al Jazeera. Both sides have submitted new proposals since then.

Perspectives

US perspective: Rubio's remarks signal a desire to de-escalate and pursue a diplomatic path, but Washington also warns of severe consequences for any further attacks. President Trump reportedly urged Iran to "do the smart thing" and make a deal, dismissing the conflict as "a little skirmish," as cited by France 24.

Iranian perspective: Tehran denies recent attacks on the UAE and rejects accusations of aggressive actions. Ghalibaf's rhetoric suggests Iran views continued pressure as a test of resolve, and the country is seeking guarantees that any agreement ends the war entirely, not just pauses it.

Regional concerns: The UAE's interception of missiles and drones, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations' report of a cargo vessel struck by an unknown projectile, underscore the danger to maritime traffic and regional stability. Analysts like Burcu Ozcelik of RUSI describe the situation as "fraught and almost frantic diplomatic backchannelling," indicating a high-stakes, uncertain environment.

Conclusion

The declaration that Operation Epic Fury has concluded may mark the end of the initial US-Israeli offensive, but the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile. With unresolved disputes over attacks, ongoing military readiness on both sides, and fragile diplomatic efforts, the path to a lasting peace appears uncertain.