Rubio Declares U.S. Iran Operation Epic Fury Over as Forces Exchange Strikes Near Hormuz
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 3
Rubio Declares U.S. Iran Operation Epic Fury Over as Forces Exchange Strikes Near Hormuz
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 3
Summary
Marco Rubio told House lawmakers that the U.S. military’s Iran war operation, "Epic Fury," has concluded, marking the clearest official statement yet that the campaign is over.
Hours earlier, U.S. and Iranian forces had exchanged strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, which Rubio described as defensive responses to attacks on commercial ships by drones.
Rubio said U.S. forces shoot down drones threatening civilian vessels and also strike the launch teams to protect American personnel in the region.
The declaration came as lawmakers prepared to vote on a Democratic war powers resolution ordering the president to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran.
Questions about whether the conflict is truly finished persisted on Capitol Hill, with Democrats citing roughly $100 billion in costs, higher gas prices and continued regional retaliation.