U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the 5th (local time) officially declared the end of the military operation against Iran, Epic Fury. It comes about two months after the operation began in late February. However, some say the move is meant to circumvent the Congress' 60-day limit on the use of force and to seek an exit strategy amid worsening public opinion.
Rubio, who also serves as White House national security adviser, said at a White House briefing that Epic Fury is over and that President Donald Trump has already notified Congress, adding, We are now in the Liberation Project phase. He went on to say that the United States would respond if Iran strikes first, but that the current operation is defensive in nature, repeating remarks that appeared aimed at preemptively blocking the possibility of heightened military tensions.
Minister Rubio said the United States is helping ensure the safe passage of ships from various countries stranded in the Strait of Hormuz through the Liberation Project. He said, The only country that can effectively project power in this region is the United States, adding, These are other countries' vessels, but we are acting in good faith.
At the same time, he ratcheted up criticism of Iran. He said, Iran is trying to establish a New Normal through control of the Strait of Hormuz, adding, This is completely illegal and outrageous behavior. He urged, Countries around the world should condemn Iran and take action. He also claimed that at least 10 civilian sailors isolated in the strait due to Iran's blockade have died, calling it virtually piracy.
Minister Rubio also said, The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz hurts China too, adding, We hope China will directly pressure Iran not to hold the global economy hostage.
The declaration ending the operation is tied to a legal dispute. If a U.S. president uses military force overseas without congressional approval, it must end within 60 days. In a recent letter to Congress, President Trump notified that hostilities that began on Feb. 28 had concluded, prompting interpretations that he sought to satisfy that requirement.