U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is pausing its naval escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz as part of efforts to reach an agreement with Iran to end the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to Al Arabiya English.
“Project Freedom” temporarily halted
Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. would suspend “Project Freedom,” the military operation launched earlier this week to help commercial ships navigate through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Trump, the decision followed requests from mediator Pakistan and other nations amid signs of diplomatic progress.
“Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement,” Trump wrote.
He added that:
“Project Freedom… will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”
US blockade remains in place
While the escort mission is being paused, Washington said its blockade of Iranian ports will continue.
The United States has maintained pressure on Tehran through maritime restrictions following the outbreak of war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran on 28 February.
Recent tensions around Hormuz included:
- U.S. claims of sinking seven Iranian boats
- Attacks on civilian vessels in the Gulf
- Increased naval deployments in the region.
Rubio: Offensive phase is over
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has completed the offensive stage of operations against Iran, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury.”
Speaking at the White House, Rubio said:
“The operation is over — Epic Fury. We’re done with that stage of it.”
He stressed that current naval activities are defensive in nature:
“There’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first.”
Ceasefire remains fragile
Trump declared a ceasefire with Iran on 8 April, though negotiations have since struggled to advance.
The conflict began after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military and economic infrastructure. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Al Arabiya English, both sides remain under pressure:
- Iran faces mounting economic strain due to sanctions and blockades
- The U.S. continues to deal with shipping disruptions and elevated energy market volatility
Outlook
The temporary suspension of Project Freedom may signal a renewed diplomatic opening, but tensions in the Gulf remain high.
Markets and shipping operators continue to closely monitor:
- The status of negotiations with Iran
- Security conditions in the Strait of Hormuz
- The future of U.S. naval operations in the region
The situation remains fluid, with the blockade and broader military presence still in place.
