US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on July 16 that US Central Command is continuing an operation codenamed “Epic Fury” and keeping military pressure on Iran in place. He said US forces remain on alert and are ready to resume combat operations at any time.
The remarks came as Washington and Tehran continue to wrestle over ceasefire arrangements. At a press conference, Hegseth said CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper had briefed him earlier that day on the latest developments in the “Epic Fury” operation. He described the current posture as one of sustained readiness, saying US troops deployed in the Middle East have not lowered their guard even during a negotiation phase or temporary ceasefire period.
“Epic Fury” kept active during ceasefire talks
Hegseth said the US military is still carrying out what he called an “impenetrable blockade mission.” The message was direct. Even with talks still in play, Washington is not signaling any easing of military pressure.
According to the report, the operation remains under the direction of US Central Command, and the core point is clear: ceasefire discussions have not changed the combat posture of US forces. If conditions shift, the US says it can quickly restart military action.
Treasury opens parallel “Economic Fury” campaign
Alongside the military track, Hegseth said the US Treasury Department has launched a new sanctions effort codenamed “Economic Fury”. He said the purpose is to impose “maximum economic pressure” on Iran, working in tandem with the frontline blockade.
The source material says the sanctions move is tied to recent US naval restrictions around Iran’s main oil export ports. The pressure campaign is aimed at Iran’s cross-border financial network and energy trade channels, increasing economic strain on Tehran during the current round of negotiations.
Military and financial pressure move in parallel
As cited in a report from China Media Group, Hegseth’s briefing centered on a two-track approach: maintain the military blockade and escalate financial sanctions at the same time. “Epic Fury” and “Economic Fury” were presented as coordinated tools in the current US strategy toward Iran.
So far, the public messaging has focused on combat readiness, an ongoing blockade, and the rollout of the new sanctions operation. No additional details were provided in the report on how the ceasefire talks may develop from here.