Rubio Announces End of Offensive Operations in Iran War as Tensions Escalate in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Secretary of State Mitt Romney announced the conclusion of offensive operations against Iran, according to France24, BBC World, and DW. The declaration came as tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz, with missile incidents and clashes threatening to collapse a fragile ceasefire. Iran's officials responded with rhetoric indicating continued readiness for conflict, stating, 'We are just getting started.' The U.S. military transitioned to a defensive stance, enforcing a naval blockade of Iran, as reported by DW. This shift followed Trump's decision to pause the 'Project Freedom' operation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward an Iran agreement, per Al Jazeera. The White House, however, used rhetoric to downplay the crisis, with Trump claiming the war was over despite ongoing hostilities, as noted by the New York Times. Sources diverge on the interpretation of the U.S. military's actions. France24 and BBC World report the U.S. has ended offensive operations, while the New York Times focuses on the political rhetoric and the White House's attempt to downplay the crisis. DW and BBC World mention the U.S. will now operate defensively to enforce a naval blockade, while Al Jazeera reports Trump paused 'Project Freedom' operation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward an Iran agreement.