Coverage Comparison
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that recent American strikes in the Strait of Hormuz are not part of Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign against Iran, according to multiple reports. Speaking to reporters after visits to the Vatican and Italy, Rubio said the strikes were "separate and distinct" from the operation, as reported by Russia's state news agency TASS and echoed by The Hindu.
Rubio framed the attacks as defensive, asserting that the United States had been fired upon first. "They fired on us... Only stupid countries don't shoot back when you're shot at," he said, in remarks carried by TASS. He added: "The red line is clear: they threaten Americans - they are going to get blown up."
This explanation contradicts earlier reports suggesting that Operation Epic Fury had ended and that the US had transitioned to defensive action in enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. The Jerusalem Post, citing NBC News, reported that the US military is considering renaming its Iran campaign to "Operation Sledgehammer" if the current ceasefire collapses. That report, based on two unnamed US officials, said a new name could help the Trump administration argue that renewed strikes are separate from Epic Fury, potentially avoiding the 60-day Congressional approval requirement under the War Powers Resolution.
Key Claims
- Self-defense justification: Rubio maintains that the US strikes were responses to Iranian attacks, not initiated by Washington. This claim is supported by TASS and The Hindu, though neither outlet independently verified the alleged Iranian attacks.
- Operation Epic Fury's status: Multiple sources agree that the operation has ended, but there is disagreement on whether new strikes are a continuation or a separate action. Rubio's statements suggest a new phase, while the Jerusalem Post reports that renaming is under consideration to legally distinguish future operations.
- Iran's ambitions in the Strait of Hormuz: Rubio said Iran's efforts to control shipping in the strait are "unacceptable" and violate international law. This position is consistent across TASS reports and was also highlighted by The Hindu. No source disputes the claim that Iran is attempting to establish such control.
- Awaiting Tehran's response: Rubio said Washington expects a response from Iran on proposals to end hostilities. This is a single-source prediction (TASS) and has not been independently verified.
- International law on waterways: Rubio asserted that no country has the right to control international waterways, a legal claim supported by general principles but not corroborated by other sources in this coverage.
Perspectives
US official position (via Rubio): The strikes are defensive, proportional, and legally justified. Iran's attempts to control the strait are provocative and unacceptable, and the US is open to negotiations.
Russian state media (TASS) framing: While reporting Rubio's statements accurately, the coverage emphasizes the confrontational tone and the US's hardline rhetoric, often including loaded language like "blown up" and "stupid countries," which may amplify tensions.
Israeli media (Jerusalem Post) perspective: The focus is on military strategy and legal maneuvering, suggesting that the US is preparing for a possible resumption of combat operations while navigating domestic legal constraints.
Indian media (The Hindu): Provides a neutral summary of Rubio's defense, focusing on the US actions without additional analysis or commentary.
Corrections and Updates
- The Jerusalem Post's report on the potential renaming to "Operation Sledgehammer" is based on anonymous officials and has not been officially confirmed. A White House official acknowledged discussions but did not confirm the name.
- Rubio's expectation of a response from Tehran "today" was made on May 8, 2026, and later reports do not confirm whether such a response was received.