Operation Epic Fury: U.S. Geopolitical Initiatives Create Favorable Conditions for Secretary Rubio's Political Ascent

On March 9, 2026, in Doral, Donald Trump held his first press conference since the start of the U.S.–Israeli operation against Iran.

In addition to statements about the successful destruction by the U.S. Armed Forces of key elements of the Iranian regime’s defense-industrial base, the President also shared projections regarding the further course of Operation “Epic Fury.” 

He further publicly outlined differences in the approaches of two key representatives of the Republican administration to conducting military operations against Iran.

Trump described Vice President J. D. Vance as “philosophically somewhat different” from himself on active U.S. measures against the axis of autocracies, noting that Vance was less enthusiastic about military action. He also highlighted the role of Secretary of State Marco Rubio in preparing and advocating for the operation against Tehran