Rubio, US Secretary of State, ends military operation against Iran... "Now a defensive 'Liberation Project'"

Secretary Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on the 5th (local time) that 'Epic Fury,' the military operation against Iran launched by the U.S. in late February, has achieved its objectives and concluded.

He also stated that the U.S. is currently carrying out a defensive 'Liberation Project' "out of goodwill" to free ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz. This appears to be an attempt to circumvent the U.S. Congress's '60-day limit,' appease worsening public opinion, and seek an exit strategy.

Secretary Rubio, who also serves as the White House National Security Advisor, held a press conference in the White House briefing room today, stating, "Operation Epic Fury is over. President Donald Trump has notified Congress," adding, "That phase is finished. We are now in the Liberation Project."

Secretary Rubio repeatedly emphasized that while U.S. forces would respond if Iran attacked first, the Liberation Project is fundamentally defensive in nature.

He asserted that "the primary responsibility for the Liberation Project rests with the United States because we are the only nation capable of projecting power in the region," and that while the ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz belong to other countries, the U.S. is carrying out the project "out of goodwill."

Secretary Rubio urged that Iran is attempting to establish a 'new normal' (new standard or phenomenon) by trying to control the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "completely illegal and outrageous, and all nations worldwide should join us in condemning Iran and doing something about it."

He stated that several countries have contacted them indicating they would do something, but he did not disclose the names of specific nations.

Secretary Rubio also criticized Iran, stating that at least 10 civilian sailors have died while trapped and isolated in the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's blockade, and accused Iran of piracy.

Secretary Rubio also urged China to directly tell Iran not to hold the global economy hostage, stating that Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz also harms China.

'Epic Fury' is the name the U.S. gave to the military operation against Iran when it commenced on February 28.

President Trump recently sent a letter to Congress notifying them that "hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have concluded," which was interpreted as an attempt to circumvent the legal 60-day rule for engaging in foreign military action without congressional approval.