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

Secretary Rubio

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

He also stated that the US is now 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 bypass the US 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," and added, "That phase is over. We are now in a liberation project."

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

He asserted, "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 US is carrying out the Liberation Project "out of good faith."

Secretary Rubio urged, stating that Iran is attempting to establish a 'New Normal' by trying to control the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "completely illegal and absurd, and all nations worldwide must join us in condemning Iran and doing something."

He said that several countries had contacted them offering to do something, but did not name any specific countries.

Secretary Rubio also accused Iran of piracy, stating that at least 10 civilian sailors have died, trapped and isolated without proper support due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

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 harms China as well.

'Epic Fury' is the name the United States gave to the military operation against Iran that began 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 bypass the legal 60-day rule for external use of force without congressional approval.