Rubio Reframes Iran Mission as Hormuz Maritime Security After Combat Ends

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. military combat operations in Iran have ended and characterized ongoing U.S. and Bahraini forces in the Strait of Hormuz as a distinct maritime security mission rather than a continuation of the Iran conflict. The New York Times live blog reported Rubio framing the Hormuz mission as an entirely new operation, while Taipei Times noted the U.S. and Bahrain are pushing for UN-backed action in the strait. Markets appeared to respond positively — Channel News Asia reported stocks rising and oil falling as traders priced in a ceasefire. Congressional Democrats simultaneously urged the Trump administration to address Israel's undeclared nuclear program, citing multiple nuclear-armed states near the conflict zone.