'Operation Epic Fury' Declared Ended; Experts Say Iran War May Be Over as US Shifts to Diplomacy

The US military's combat operation against Iran — 'Operation Epic Fury' — was declared formally ended on May 6, 2026, marking a potential turning point after 67 days of conflict beginning February 28. Trump's pause of 'Project Freedom' the previous day, combined with Pakistan-led diplomatic mediation, led analysts and military experts to describe the development as 'the beginning of the end' of the US-Iran war. Al Jazeera's reporting cited multiple defense analysts stating that Trump had effectively chosen the diplomatic off-ramp after the Project Freedom pause — with the US no longer actively escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz and Iran maintaining the ceasefire. The Iran war had killed over 2,100 people (including 7 US service members), disrupted global shipping, driven oil prices above $100/barrel, and contributed to Trump's second-term approval ratings collapsing to record lows of 33–37%. The end of Operation Epic Fury would represent one of the shortest major US wars in recent history. However, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remained in place pending a final diplomatic agreement, and Iran's nuclear program had not been addressed. Defense Secretary Hegseth stated publicly that while combat operations had paused, the US retained 'all options' and would resume 'within hours' if Iran violated the ceasefire or resumed nuclear activity. No formal peace treaty or framework deal had been signed as of May 6.