US Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued on Tuesday that the United States has successfully completed its military campaign against Iran.
Despite not yet securing Tehran’s enriched uranium, Rubio stated that efforts to ensure safe passage for oil transit in the Strait of Hormuz now constitute a separate, smaller defensive operation.
Rubio made a rare appearance in the White House briefing room to address reporters in the absence of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
His comments appeared aimed at blunting criticism from Congress regarding the War Powers Resolution, which gives a president 60 days to wage military action. The deadline for the conflict, which began February 28, passed last Friday.
The White House bypassed this requirement by declaring that hostilities under Operation Epic Fury have officially terminated.
“Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation,” Rubio said. “What the president would prefer is a deal.”
Rubio described the new mission, known as Project Freedom, as distinct from the original combat plan. He characterized it as a defensive operation, asserting that the United States will not engage militarily “unless we’re shot at.”
The operation is intended to relieve the crisis involving approximately 23,000 people from 87 countries trapped on vessels in the Gulf.
Rubio reported that 10 civilian sailors have died as a result of the ongoing conflict in the waterway. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added that hundreds of ships are currently lining up to pass through the critical strait, which historically handles about 20% of global oil supplies.
A central challenge remains: Iran has not yet handed over more than 900 pounds (408 kg) of highly enriched uranium. Rubio emphasized that any diplomatic solution must address nuclear material buried “deep somewhere” that Tehran could still access.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are continuing to explore a diplomatic path. Rubio noted that while the process is “highly complex and highly technical,” a clear agreement on concessions from Tehran is necessary to make talks worthwhile.
Amidst these diplomatic efforts, the United Arab Emirates reported being under attack from Iranian missiles and drones on Tuesday, despite Washington’s claims of a shaky but intact ceasefire.