US naval power responds as Rubio says latest Iran clashes are separate from Operation Epic Fury

ROME, ITALY: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a clear message to Tehran during a press gaggle in Rome on Friday, May 8, asserting that the US military action against Iran yesterday was “separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury.”

Speaking at a high-stakes diplomatic juncture, the nation’s top diplomat clarified that while the massive offensive campaign that began months ago has concluded, the United States will not hesitate to respond "defensively" to any immediate maritime threats.

The Secretary’s comments come following an incident yesterday in which US destroyers, navigating through international waters, were engaged by Iranian forces.

Rubio emphasized that the American response was a direct necessity of self-preservation.

“Only stupid countries don’t shoot back when you’re shot at. And we’re not a stupid country,” Rubio told reporters, underscoring a shift from proactive destruction to reactive defense.

Offensive air and sea campaign concludes

Rubio provided a retrospective on Operation Epic Fury, which he had announced earlier this week was officially over.

He described the mission as a highly specific "offensive operation" that had been meticulously designed to destroy Iran’s missile launches, their navy, and their air force.

The conclusion of that campaign suggests that the primary objectives of dismantling Tehran’s heavy military infrastructure have been met.

However, the Secretary was quick to distinguish those strategic goals from the tactical skirmishes currently occurring in the world's most critical shipping lanes.

Destroyers under fire in international waters

The catalyst for yesterday’s strike was an Iranian assault on US naval assets operating in the open sea.

Rubio detailed how US destroyers were simply moving through international waters when they were fired upon by Iranian positions.

He characterized the subsequent US strikes not as a resumption of full-scale war, but as a localized defensive maneuver to protect American vessels and personnel.

This distinction is critical as the administration seeks to navigate the fallout of the recent maritime blockade and the ongoing friction in the region.

A clear warning on American safety

When pushed on whether the United States had established specific thresholds for further escalation, Rubio remained blunt.

He noted that while the term for such boundaries is often debated, the reality on the ground is simple and uncompromising.

“The red line is clear: If they threaten Americans, they’re going to get blown up,” Rubio stated. 

The remark reinforces the administration's stance that any direct threat to US citizens or military members will result in immediate and overwhelming retaliation, regardless of the official status of named military operations.