US Says Offensive Phase of Iran War Over as Ship Hit in Strait

The US said offensive operations against Iran are over as it shifts to protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but the targeting of another cargo vessel after a day of strikes signaled that the conflict is dragging on.

“Operation Epic Fury is concluded,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at the White House Tuesday, 66 days after the US and Israel began bombing Iran. “We achieved the objectives of that operation.”

A few hours later, President Donald Trump announced that he would pause a US-led effort to help stranded ships exit the Strait of Hormuz to see if ...