Marco Rubio announces end of offensive operations in the Strait of Hormuz

On May 6, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the "Epic Rage" military operation in the Strait of Hormuz has concluded. Rubio stated that U.S. forces will now shift to a defensive posture, engaging only if fired upon or if threatened. He reported that approximately 23,000 sailors from 87 countries remain stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the blockade, with at least 10 fatalities confirmed. Rubio urged Tehran to return to diplomatic negotiations regarding its nuclear program and the reopening of the shipping lanes. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart to discuss the ongoing crisis. Rubio suggested that China should encourage Iran to end its actions in the strait to avoid international isolation. The U.S. continues to seek a diplomatic solution, though it maintains that any agreement must address Iran's underground nuclear materials.