Fact Check: Did Trump officially terminate 'Operation Epic Fury'?

As of May 1, 2026, the operation has reached its 60th day, triggering a mandatory congressional authorization deadline under the War Powers Resolution
A viral post claimed that President Donald Trump has formally terminated 'Operation Epic Fury,' a US military campaign against Iran (Getty Images)
A viral post claimed that President Donald Trump has formally terminated 'Operation Epic Fury,' a US military campaign against Iran (Getty Images)

WASHIGTON, DC: Amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, a viral X post claims that the administration of President Donald Trump formally ended “Operation Epic Fury,” a US military campaign against Iran, just one day before the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution that would require congressional approval to continue. 

Launched in late February 2026, the operation reportedly involved major US strikes targeting Iran’s navy, missile systems, air defenses, and command centers, aiming to weaken its military capabilities and curb nuclear development.

Claim: Trump ended 'Operation Epic Fury'



According to an X post shared by @ShaykhSulaiman, a claim began circulating about the alleged termination of “Operation Epic Fury.”

The post opened with the statement, “BREAKING: TRUMP OFFICIALLY TERMINATES OPERATION EPIC FURY,” referring to Donald Trump.

It further claimed that, "For War Powers Resolution purposes the Trump administration have terminated the operation 1 day before the 60 day deadline that required congressional approval for war with Iran," and cited “NBC News” as its source.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: U.S. President Donald Trump poses during a farewell ceremony at the White House on day four of the State Visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States of America, on April 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. In his first visit to the U.S. as the British monarch, King Charles III toured the nation's capital where he met with U.S. President Trump at the White House and addressed a joint meeting of Congress before traveling to New York City as part of a multi-day trip to mark the United States of America's 250th anniversary of its independence. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
US President Donald Trump poses during a farewell ceremony at the White House on day four of the State Visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States of America, on April 30, 2026 in Washington, DC (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Within hours of being posted, the claim drew over 182,000 views and sparked widespread reactions, with many users questioning its accuracy. Some asked whether the claim was true and what it might mean for the conflict, including the chances of escalation. Others dismissed or mocked the post, while a few outright rejected it, stating that existing ceasefire conditions and blockades remained unchanged.

Fact Check: Trump’s claim about ending 'Operation Epic Fury' is misleading

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - MAY 01: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to graduating students at the Coleman Coliseum at the University of Alabama on May 01, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Trump's remarks come the day before commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
 US President Donald Trump delivers remarks to graduating students at the Coleman Coliseum at the University of Alabama on May 01, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The claim that Donald Trump “officially terminated Operation Epic Fury” as breaking news is misleading and not supported by clear evidence. There has been no official announcement confirming the formal termination of any operation by that specific name.

Instead, the Trump administration has maintained that hostilities had already “ended” due to a ceasefire, rather than stating that a defined military operation was formally shut down. Officials have argued that military activity largely stopped after an early April ceasefire, and on that basis, they claim congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution is no longer required.

However, developments suggest the situation is not a complete termination. While a ceasefire appears to be in place, US naval blockades and other forms of strategic pressure are reportedly continuing. The approach seems to be shifting, potentially toward economic or indirect measures—rather than ending altogether.

There is no evidence of a single, definitive “termination order” issued on April 30 that brought all activity to a halt; instead, the administration’s position relies on the argument that the War Powers timeline no longer applies because active hostilities have ceased.

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