• Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Thursday's strikes on Iran were separate from Operation Epic Fury, which he described as a concluded military phase.
  • Rubio warned that if missiles are fired at the U.S., the U.S. will respond, underscoring a policy of deterrence amid ongoing tensions.
  • The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with oil markets reacting to potential supply disruptions.

Rubio Distinguishes Strikes from Operation Epic Fury

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Thursday that the U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets earlier in the day were not part of Operation Epic Fury, a broader campaign that officials now say has ended. "These strikes were a separate, defensive action," Rubio said, according to a person familiar with his briefing. He emphasized that the U.S. had concluded the "major offensive phase" of Epic Fury but reserved the right to respond to any future attacks.

"If missiles are fired at the U.S., we're going to respond," Rubio said during a press conference, adding that the administration has kept congressional leaders informed. The remarks come after a week of heightened rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, with both sides trading warnings over military activities in the Gulf.

Ongoing Risk in the Strait of Hormuz

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, remain high. Insurance premiums for tankers transiting the strait have spiked, and shipping sources report that some vessels are altering routes to avoid the area. The U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet has increased patrols, but no major incidents have been reported since the latest strikes.

Analysts at energy consultancy Rystad Energy warned that the risk of miscalculation remains elevated. "Even with a declared end to a military phase, any new incident at sea could trigger a rapid escalation," said a senior analyst. Oil prices swung wildly this week, with Brent crude briefly topping $90 a barrel before settling near $87 on Thursday.

Market and Diplomatic Repercussions

The European Union has called for restraint, while Gulf states have privately urged de-escalation, according to diplomats. The U.S. has signaled openness to indirect talks, but no timeline has been set. Treasury officials are also weighing additional sanctions on Iranian oil exports, though no new measures were announced.

For markets, the key risk remains a sustained disruption to Hormuz traffic. The Strait handles about 20% of the world's oil supply. Shipping industry groups have asked both sides to guarantee safe passage for commercial vessels, a request that has so far not been answered publicly.

Quote from Official

"We are not seeking war, but we will defend our interests," a senior State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official added that the U.S. believes Iran has temporarily paused its own operations following the strikes, but cautioned that the situation could change quickly.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the Thursday strikes were part of Operation Epic Fury. The article has been updated to reflect Rubio's clarification.