White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Operation Epic Fury was "a victory for the United States," claiming the military achieved its goals ahead of schedule and reopened the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
US Military Achieves Fast Victory
On Tuesday, speaking on X, Leavitt called the operation "a victory for the United States that President Trump and our incredible military made happen."
She noted that the mission, initially projected to last 4 to 6 weeks, wrapped up in just 38 days.
"Thanks to the unbelievable capabilities of our warriors, we have achieved and exceeded our core military objectives in 38 days," Leavitt wrote.
She emphasized that the operation gave President Donald Trump "maximum leverage" to pursue diplomatic negotiations.
Leavitt also highlighted that the mission resulted in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route in the Persian Gulf.
"Never underestimate President Trump's ability to successfully advance America's interests and broker peace," she said, promising further details from the Defense Secretary and military leadership.
US Leaders Praise Troops In Operation Epic Fury
Former Vice President Mike Pence posted on X, "God Bless and Protect All Our Troops in Operation Epic Fury."
U.S. Central Command shared images and updates showing U.S. Navy fighter jets launching from the USS Abraham Lincoln as part of ongoing strikes against military targets inside Iran.
Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) praised Operation Epic Fury and thanked U.S. troops, while warning that Iran must not gain nuclear weapons or missile capabilities.
Trump Pauses Strikes As Pentagon Briefing Set
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine are scheduled to brief the press at the Pentagon at 8 a.m. EDT on Wednesday.
Late Tuesday, Trump agreed to pause military action against Iran for two weeks in exchange for the reopening of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that the suspension of strikes would allow time for negotiations, noting that most points of past contention had been resolved.
The Pentagon previously canceled Tuesday’s briefing with Hegseth and Caine just hours before Trump's 8 p.m. EDT deadline for Iran to reopen the strategic oil shipping route, leaving the press without explanation.
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