Story perspectives

Iran Closes Hormuz, Shipping Stalls as Epic Fury Falters

4/25/2026

Left

Iran Closes Strait

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz halted shipping and raised oil prices, suggesting Operation Epic Fury failed.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Epic Fury destroyed Iran’s military—analysts say forces remain operational.
Intelligence officials said half of Iran’s ballistic missiles and launch systems survived the ceasefire start.
Sixty percent of IRGC navy and two-thirds of Iran’s air force remained, threatening Strait shipping.

Right

Trump's Epic Fury

The piece frames Operation Epic Fury as the newest instance of America’s historic punitive-expedition model.
U.S. President Donald Trump launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran, reporting the sinking of Iranian naval forces.
The operation used a limited force package and set time window, avoiding prolonged boots-on-the-ground commitment.
President Trump coordinated the strike with Israel and retained sole authority over pace and termination.

Center

Hegseth Briefs

A TMZ correspondent asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth how he feels physically and mentally when ordering high-intensity strikes.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a Pentagon briefing on Operation Epic Fury, answering questions from TMZ reporters.
The briefing noted Trump’s executive order to rename the Pentagon the Department of War.
Critics claim policy changes restrict legacy journalists, giving only right-wing and entertainment outlets access.

1 of 3

Iran Closes Strait

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz halted shipping and raised oil prices, suggesting Operation Epic Fury failed.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Epic Fury destroyed Iran’s military—analysts say forces remain operational.
Intelligence officials said half of Iran’s ballistic missiles and launch systems survived the ceasefire start.
Sixty percent of IRGC navy and two-thirds of Iran’s air force remained, threatening Strait shipping.

1 / 3