Day 68 of Iran War: US Pauses Hormuz Operation, Secretary Rubio Declares Attack Phase Concluded
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
President Trump announced a pause in the 'Project Freedom' operation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in talks with Iran. Secretary of State Rubio confirmed the attack phase is over, but military leaders warned of readiness to resume. Iran criticized U.S. pressure, while diplomatic efforts involving China continue.
President Donald Trump announced a pause in the 'Project Freedom' military operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, just one day after it began. Trump said there had been 'major progress' toward a potential deal with Iran and that operations would be suspended for 'a short time' to assess the possibility of reaching a 'comprehensive and final' agreement with Tehran.
However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Washington for pursuing a 'maximum pressure' policy and expecting Iran to submit to unilateral demands. On the same day, a cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified object in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.
On the diplomatic front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing, as China is seen as a key diplomatic channel. Analyst Jodie Wen noted that Araghchi's visit comes at a sensitive time, with Beijing possibly attempting to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table and stabilize the situation in Hormuz.
In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the U.S. had completed its offensive operations against Iran. 'The operation is over—Epic Fury—as the president informed Congress. We have finished that phase,' Rubio told reporters at the White House. However, a U.S. military general warned that American forces are ready to resume combat operations if ordered, and the Pentagon threatened a 'devastating' response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in Hormuz. Trump urged Iran to 'do the smart thing' and reach a deal to end the war, expressing a desire to avoid further casualties.
In Israel, 59% of Israelis oppose ending the war with Iran at the current stage, and nearly two-thirds predict a return to large-scale conflict, according to a survey by the Israel Democracy Institute. Meanwhile, in Lebanon and Gaza, three people were injured in an attack by Israeli settlers in Masafer Yatta, and U.S. Secretary Rubio described a Lebanon peace deal as 'feasible' but viewed Hezbollah as the main obstacle.
Additionally, concerns are rising over the health of Iranian Nobel Peace Prize activist Narges Mohammadi, as her legal team warned she is suffering from heart pain and a severe lack of medical care in detention. Ukraine also offered drone technology support to Bahrain during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the region.
