US Says Offensive Iran Action Over; Ceasefire Holds as Talks Continue
US Says Offensive Iran Action Over; Ceasefire Holds as Talks Continue
As tensions ease in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington signals the offensive against Iran is finished while efforts to reopen shipping routes press on.
A White House briefing indicated the offensive phase against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by some, is over after aims to pressure Tehran were reportedly met. The ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz is described as holding for now, even as Iran's state broadcaster dismissed the effort as a failure. The broader objective remains to reopen the waterway for commercial shipping and stabilize global trade flows.
A pause has been declared on the related operation for a short period by mutual agreement, following 'great progress' toward a deal with Tehran, while the blockade of Iranian ports would stay in place. Officials said the pause would be temporary as discussions continue and as ships are escorted through the Strait.
Analysts warn the pause could be fragile, with markets watching closely for any sign of escalation. Iran has signaled it intends to press ahead in some form, while Western officials stress the need for durable commitments to keep Hormuz open. For global shipping and the world economy, the next steps remain critical even as rhetoric cools for now.
