Trump Pauses Project Freedom To Escort Ships Through Strait Of Hormuz Amid Iran Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has paused a military operation meant to guide commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, saying there has been progress in talks with Iran.

The operation, known as “Project Freedom,” was launched just days earlier to escort stranded vessels out of the Gulf after the waterway was effectively blocked during the ongoing conflict.

Trump said the mission would be paused for a short time to see if a final agreement with Iran could be completed and signed.

In a statement, Trump said the decision was taken after “great progress” in talks with Iran and at the request of countries including Pakistan, which has been involved in mediation efforts.

He added that while the escort operation would pause, the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place.

The Persian Gulf has seen increased military activity, with reports of missile and drone attacks, as well as incidents involving commercial vessels.

A cargo ship was recently struck by an unknown projectile in the strait, according to maritime security agencies.

“Project Freedom” was initially introduced to address the growing crisis of stranded seafarers and disrupted trade.

U.S. officials said nearly 23,000 sailors from 87 countries were stuck in the Gulf due to Iran’s restrictions on vessel movement.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier that the operation aimed to “rescue” crews facing shortages of food and essential supplies, with at least 10 reported deaths.

The U.S. military had deployed a large force for the operation, including guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, unmanned systems and about 15,000 personnel.

Some ships were able to transit the strait under escort, although tensions escalated quickly, with both sides accusing each other of attacks on vessels and military units.

Iran has effectively restricted access to the strait by threatening the use of mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft.

In response, the U.S. imposed a blockade on Iranian ports while attempting to maintain limited shipping movements through escorted convoys.

The situation has also impacted global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

The disruption has pushed fuel prices higher, with U.S. gasoline prices reaching an average of $4.53 per gallon.

However, oil prices dropped slightly after Trump’s announcement, as markets reacted to the possibility of easing tensions.

The decision to pause the operation surprised many, as U.S. officials had earlier said it was necessary to keep shipping moving and to protect civilian vessels.

Iranian media described the pause as a setback for the United States. At the same time, U.S. officials said they still prefer a peaceful solution and believe a deal is possible.

The conflict began on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran under an operation known as Operation Epic Fury.

Iran responded by targeting regional assets and restricting the strait. A ceasefire was announced in early April, but incidents at sea and in nearby countries have continued.

References: Reuters, BBC