Rubio Claims US Finished Offensive Phase of Iran War While Threatening More Violence

Marco Rubio, former senator and current Secretary of State, declared on Tuesday that the United States has completed the offensive stage of its war against Iran. Speaking at the White House, Rubio claimed the operation—dubbed “Epic Fury”—is over, insisting that Washington “achieved its objectives” through a campaign of military strikes and economic blockade that has devastated Iran’s economy and killed at least ten civilian sailors.

Rubio framed the US actions as defensive, arguing that “there’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first,” despite the fact that the US and Israel launched a coordinated attack on February 28 that killed top Iranian leaders and destroyed critical military and economic infrastructure. This assault did not topple the Islamic Republic but instead provoked missile and drone retaliation across the region. Trump announced a ceasefire on April 8, which remains shaky amid ongoing tensions.

The Trump administration’s refusal to seek formal congressional authorization for this conflict exposes its blatant disregard for the 1973 War Powers Act. Rubio openly dismissed the law’s constitutionality, claiming the White House only complies with it “for purposes of maintaining good relations with Congress.” This cavalier approach to constitutional checks on presidential war-making powers is part of a broader pattern of executive overreach and secrecy.

Rubio also revealed that the US is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies pass daily. This blockade has isolated Iran, strangled its economy, and caused the deaths of at least ten civilian sailors, though Rubio provided no further details on these casualties. The administration has launched “Project Freedom” to escort commercial vessels out of the strait, highlighting the ongoing risk of escalation.

Despite the military pressure, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner exploring a negotiated settlement. Rubio emphasized that any deal must address Iran’s nuclear material buried deep underground, signaling that the administration’s demands remain maximalist and uncompromising.

This conflict, manufactured and prolonged by the Trump administration, serves multiple purposes: punishing Iran, consolidating power at home, and distracting from domestic scandals. Rubio’s statements reveal a disturbing willingness to inflict widespread suffering and circumvent democratic oversight in pursuit of these goals.

As the US threatens “major reprisals” for any Iranian attacks and continues its aggressive posture in the Gulf, the risk of further violence and regional destabilization remains high. The American public deserves transparency and accountability—not endless war waged in the shadows under the guise of “defense.”