President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended the U.S. “Project Freedom” operation designed to escort commercial ships through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, announcing the move on Tuesday evening for a “short period of time.”
The decision, reached by mutual agreement after “great progress” in negotiations with Iran, came at Pakistan’s request as mediator between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports will stay in effect.
Iranian state media celebrated the pause as evidence that Trump retreated following continued failures to restore the vital shipping lane, which handles around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
Trump’s statement followed Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s confirmation that the U.S.-Israeli Operation Epic Fury had achieved its aims and concluded. Rubio told reporters the U.S. prefers peace and a deal, but noted Iran has not pursued that route, warning of the strikes’ generational destruction to its economy and urging leaders to “check themselves before they wreck themselves.”
The shift contrasts with earlier vows from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said the ceasefire holds under close watch, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, who deemed Iran’s recent attacks “below the threshold” for escalation.
Trump, asked about breaches, replied reporters would “find out because I’ll let you know,” while voicing hope for a deal and upcoming talks with Japan and China’s Xi Jinping.
Tensions persist amid fresh incidents. UKMTO confirmed a cargo ship struck by an unknown projectile, while the UAE downed Iranian missiles and drones, citing a Fujairah oil port hit as a “dangerous escalation.” Iran denied involvement, its spokesman saying any action would have been announced firmly and clearly.
Launched post-28 February U.S.-Israeli strikes, the April ceasefire curbed Iran’s Gulf assaults, yet strait transits remain rare despite U.S. port sanctions. Monday saw clashing claims of attacks, with one merchant escaping under escort.
Analysts suggest the pause, distinct from the blockade, could draw Iran to talks, though disruptions risk undermining progress. Prolonged closure threatens $1 trillion in trade, per the International Energy Agency.