Epic Fury over, Operation freedom paused, Trump: "accept deal or bombing continues"

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed yesterday (May 5) that Operation Epic Fury is concluded. "The operation is over. Epic Fury. The president notified Congress. We're done with that stage of it. We're now on to this Project Freedom."

Hours later, President Trump announced Operation Freedom is also paused, citing requests from Pakistan's PM and Saudi Crown Prince MBS, military progress, and what he called "great progress toward a Complete and Final Agreement."

"If they don't agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity."

— President Trump

Axios reported today (May 6) that Washington and Tehran are closer to a deal than at any point since the war began. Key elements under discussion: a phased rollback of naval restrictions, gradual sanctions relief, and the release of tens of billions in frozen Iranian funds. Pakistani officials say a draft agreement exists with most clauses approved by both parties. Pakistan's foreign minister is pushing for the ceasefire to become permanent.

Trump cooled expectations with the New York Post: "I do not recommend that you start packing your bags for negotiations in Pakistan. Too early. It's too far." White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said "it seems they're making a lot of progress now."

Iran's signals are contradictory. The Foreign Ministry confirmed it is "evaluating" Washington's 14-point peace proposal. Iran's Tasnim news agency says the U.S. memorandum to end the war includes clauses Tehran considers unacceptable. The National Security Council spokesman called the Axios report "Americans' wish list" and warned Iran "has its finger on the trigger." State TV Fars ran the headline "Trump's Retreat." The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan mocked the decision publicly.

Rubio laid out the numbers in his press conference: 90% of total Iranian trade halted, 10 civilian sailors dead in the Strait conflict. He called Iran's blockade "piracy" and said the U.S. is proposing a UN Security Council resolution. Senior U.S. officials told Channel 12: if negotiations fail, Trump "will not hesitate to launch a short and lethal operation."

German Chancellor Merz backed the pressure: "Iran must come to the negotiating table. Its military nuclear program must be ended completely and forever." U.S. crude dropped more than 12% today. Brent fell over 10%.

IDF Hits 25 Hezbollah Targets in 24 Hours

The IDF began attacking Hezbollah military infrastructure across southern Lebanon today (May 6), hitting roughly 25 targets over the past 24 hours including weapons depots and buildings used for military operations. The military issued evacuation warnings for 12 villages, most north of the Litani River, instructing residents to move at least 1 km away. Strikes were reported in the Bekaa Valley, including Kfar Klia, which received an evacuation alert earlier in the morning.

Hezbollah continued launching rockets, explosive drones, and mortar shells at IDF forces. A drone attack in southern Lebanon wounded two IDF soldiers, one moderately. An explosive drone hit the perimeter fence at Ramim near an IDF post, damaging vehicles. The IDF released footage of an FPV drone neutralizing an Iranian-made Falaq-1 rocket launcher. The Paran Brigade intercepted a smuggling drone carrying four M-16 rifles from the western border.

Hezbollah MP Ihab Hamada warned that a meeting between Lebanese President Aoun and Netanyahu would mark "a farewell to the Lebanon we know."

Trump paused both operations to give diplomacy a window. Axios says a deal framework exists with most terms agreed. Iran has 48 hours to respond. But Tehran is simultaneously taunting Trump as retreating, attacking the UAE, and holding 22,500 sailors hostage in the Strait. If Iran reads the pause as weakness rather than opportunity, the "short and lethal operation" senior U.S. officials keep referencing moves from contingency to countdown.