ANI
Updated: May 6, 2026 — Washington, DC
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Operation Epic Fury will be ended, and that a US blockade will allow the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened to all vessels. He warned that if Iran does not accept the terms for a ceasefire, US bombing would resume at “a much higher level and intensity”.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said that if Iran agrees to what has been negotiated, Epic Fury will conclude and the blockade will permit free passage through the Hormuz Strait, “including Iran.” He added that failure to accept the conditions would prompt a significant escalation of strikes.
The president’s statement came after comments from Iranian leaders. On May 5, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the “new equation” governing the Strait of Hormuz is being solidified, accusing the United States and its allies of jeopardizing shipping and energy transit by violating a ceasefire and imposing a blockade. He warned that the current status quo is intolerable for the US and suggested Iran has not yet begun its full response.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also addressed domestic consequences of the conflict, linking recent price increases partly to the war and saying profiteering and hoarding are unacceptable. He said he has instructed the justice minister, in coordination with the judiciary, to take strong action against violations that disturb social order.
The president’s comments follow an earlier US pause of a separate military effort called “Project Freedom,” a step taken, officials said, because of “great progress” toward a “complete and final agreement with the representatives of Iran.”
(This report is based on a syndicated feed from ANI and is published as received.)
