Rubio: Operation Epic Fury is over, the US is starting a new one

Operation Epic Fury, the military operation against Iran, has concluded. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this yesterday at a press conference for journalists.

The United States has concluded Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East and is now launching a new one, called "Project Freedom." US President Donald Trump has already notified Congress of the changes. The new military operation will aim to safely escort thousands of stranded cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Operation Epic Fury is complete. As soon as the President notified Congress, we completed that phase. We now move on to Operation Project Freedom.

Trump announced the new operation last Sunday, noting that “numerous countries” had approached the United States about their oil tankers remaining stuck in the Persian Gulf, unable to pass through Hormuz.

As Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth explained, the main difference between "Project Freedom" and "Epic Fury" is that the latter operation is purely defensive, narrowly targeted, and temporary. Once all commercial vessels have passed through the strait, it will end. Or it will gradually transition to another operation if the problem with Iran has not been resolved by then.

Comments

[BAI]

As I wrote yesterday – a break, and then another 60 days. And so on, without end. And without Congress.

[urik62]

The first stage of the special operation is completed, the air defense is practically destroyed, we move on to the second stage.

[Revolver]

Once all commercial vessels have passed through the strait, it will be completed. Or will smoothly transition into another

Or. Mark my words, the withdrawal of ships from the Gulf is just a trial run. It will end with regular convoys of commercial vessels under US Navy protection in both directions, and perhaps even for a fee. No, those who wish can do so for free, at their own risk.

[PN]

Yeah, and the tanker is in front, and the escort is behind )))

[snow mountain]

A new military operation will aim to safely escort thousands of stranded cargo ships.

I wonder how they will navigate ships through a narrow place, under the sights of Iranian artillery, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles?

[Revolver]

At least one Maersk vessel, named Alliance Fairfax, has already been navigated.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/05/business/maersk-ship-strait-hormuz-iran-us.html
Apparently, few are willing to shoot when American aircraft are hovering overhead, ready to fire back. As the non-brothers say, "there are no fools."

[Grancer81]

Just once? Just once? What a victory!

[faterdom]

Epic Fury is complete, next up is Epic Power and Avomat.