Epic Fury Campaign Ends: Is the Iran War Coming to a Close?
Sarah Shamim
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the joint U.S.-Israel airstrike campaign 'Epic Fury' against Iran has concluded after achieving its objectives, as President Donald Trump paused the convoy escort mission through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say the move may signal the 'beginning of the end' of the conflict.
On May 6, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Operation Epic Fury—the joint U.S.-Israel airstrike campaign targeting Iran that began on February 28—has ended after reaching its stated goals. Rubio emphasized that Washington is prioritizing a 'path of peace' and hopes to reach a deal through Pakistani mediation.
On the same day, President Donald Trump announced the suspension of 'Project Freedom,' a mission to escort stranded commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz that was launched only a day earlier. Trump said the decision was based on requests from Pakistan and other nations, as well as positive progress in talks with Iranian representatives. However, the blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.
The Strait of Hormuz, which in peacetime handles 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has been sealed by Iran since the war began. Tehran has vowed to attack any vessel transiting the strait without permission, escalating tensions. Before the halt, Project Freedom sparked mutual allegations of attacks between the U.S. and Iran, including a claim by the UAE that Tehran struck the port of Fujairah.
Analysts suggest that pausing Project Freedom could be the 'beginning of the end' of the war. According to Burcu Ozcelik, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), these moves reflect high-stakes backchannel diplomacy aimed at securing deep concessions from Tehran on the nuclear issue in exchange for lifting the port blockade and sanctions. Meanwhile, Iran seeks guarantees for a full end to hostilities, not just a pause.
Shahram Akbarzadeh, a professor at Deakin University in Australia, said the current situation is hard to predict, but neither side wants a return to full-scale war. He warned that domestic public opinion could complicate negotiations, as both sides need to save face. However, economic pressure from the strait blockade is pushing Tehran toward compromise. 'Iran's survival and the avoidance of fresh attacks on critical infrastructure may ultimately force Iran's leadership to act,' Ozcelik concluded.
