US Officially Announces Halt to Attacks on Iran, Revolutionary Guard Issues Threat: War Off Again?

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON— US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday (5/5/2026) that the United States has halted its offensive operations against Iran and is now in a defensive phase.

Meanwhile, Tehran has announced the establishment of a new mechanism to regulate shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to provide a firm response to ships attempting to cross the strait without following the designated route.

Rubio announced, during a press conference at the White House, that Operation Epic Wrath has ended, as notified to Congress by President Donald Trump.

“We have completed this phase,” he said, adding that Washington is now in a defensive phase with a new operation announced by President Trump and named “Project Freedom”.

The US Secretary of State explained that the main objective of this operation is to assist crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

He noted that the sailors in the Gulf are isolated, starving, and in danger, and at least ten seafarers have died as a result; they were civilian sailors, without providing further details.

He emphasised that the United States will not unilaterally open fire, but stressed that US forces conducting this operation will respond with lethal action if attacked.