US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the United States has ended its campaign of “sustained military strikes” inside Iran, declaring that Operation Epic Fury had achieved its objectives after months of conflict that pushed the region to the brink.Appearing before lawmakers on Wednesday, Rubio said Washington was no longer carrying out continuous attacks aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities. “We’re no longer conducting sustained strikes inside of Iran to degrade their military, because Epic Fury is over,” he said. Rubio argued that the operation had succeeded in destroying much of Iran’s defence-industrial base while significantly reducing its missile launchers and drone stockpiles.His remarks came as a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran continues to hold despite sporadic violence across the Gulf. The latest escalation saw Iranian drones strike Kuwait International Airport, damaging a passenger terminal, killing an Indian national and injuring dozens of others. The attack briefly shut down the airport and renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Gulf states that had previously considered themselves insulated from the conflict.The war, now in its fourth month, has also intensified pressure on global energy markets. Iran continues to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas exports, while the US maintains restrictions on Iranian ports. House Speaker Mike Johnson said President Donald Trump is working with allies to restore commercial traffic through the waterway, describing it as the “final piece” needed to stabilise the situation.Rubio also sought to reassure lawmakers that diplomatic efforts with Tehran remain active. Responding to concerns that a potential agreement could resemble the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama, Rubio insisted any future accord would be tougher.“Ultimately, any deal we do will be a good deal, or there won’t be a deal, and it’ll be better than JCPOA,” he said, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Trump withdrew from during his first term.
