The United States is simultaneously bombing Iranian military infrastructure and negotiating a diplomatic deal with Tehran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in May 2026 that the US maintains full readiness for additional strikes against Iranian targets even as negotiations inch toward a finalized agreement. The talks are centered on two critical issues: reopening the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a framework around Iran’s nuclear program.
Operation Epic Fury and the negotiating table
The military campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, launched in February 2026 with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Rubio declared the operation concluded in early May 2026, claiming it had successfully degraded Iran’s naval and missile capabilities. Rubio made clear that military readiness hasn’t been stood down. The US will not accept what he characterized as a subpar deal, and threats would be renewed if negotiations stall.
As of late May 2026, an interim agreement exists in principle for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The deal itself remains unsigned. Further negotiations are planned on the thornier questions of uranium enrichment and processing.
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