Rubio: US Offensive Against Iran 'Has Concluded,' Goals Achieved
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared the American military offensive against Iran, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury,' has concluded after achieving its objectives.
- Rubio stated the US focus has shifted to non-kinetic means, including clearing the Strait of Hormuz with 'Operation Project Freedom,' to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.
- The US is seeking a deal addressing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, believing economic pressure and global isolation can eventually compel Tehran to change its course.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the conclusion of 'Operation Epic Fury,' a significant military offensive against Iran, asserting that the campaign successfully met its objectives. Speaking at a press conference, Rubio indicated that the United States is now pivoting towards non-kinetic strategies to persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, signaling a shift in the US approach to the ongoing standoff.
Operation Epic Fury has concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation.
Rubio clarified that the primary goal of the operation was not necessarily to halt Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities directly, but rather to dismantle what he described as Iran's "conventional shield" – its ballistic missile program, which he claimed was intended to deter international action against its nuclear activities. While acknowledging that Iran's missile program was substantially impacted, intelligence assessments suggest it remains capable of recovery. The US is now prioritizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz through 'Operation Project Freedom,' a move aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and potentially applying further pressure on Iran.
There has to be a pressure point on them that causes them to realize they cannot continue to close the straits or they’ll face crushing economic consequences and global diplomatic isolation, which they have proven in the past to be susceptible to.
Looking ahead, the US administration is keen on negotiating a deal that addresses Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Rubio expressed confidence in the efficacy of economic pressure and global diplomatic isolation, arguing that these tools, despite Iran's demonstrated resilience, can eventually force a change in behavior. He asserted that while Tehran may possess a high pain threshold, it is not unlimited, suggesting that sustained international pressure will ultimately prove decisive in compelling Iran to alter its nuclear trajectory and its regional assertiveness.
They have a high pain threshold, but they don’t have an unlimited pain threshold. Nobody does.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Times of Israel in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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