United States President Donald Trump has announced a temporary suspension of “Project Freedom,” the American military operation launched to guide commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, citing requests from Pakistan and other countries along with progress in negotiations with Iran.
The announcement came amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following recent military escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the operation would be paused “for a short period of time” to allow diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a “complete and final agreement” with Iran to move forward.
“Based on the request of Pakistan and other countries, and additionally the fact that great progress has been made toward a complete and final agreement with representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed” to pause the operation temporarily, Trump said.
Despite the suspension, Trump clarified that the US blockade linked to the operation would remain in effect.
Project Freedom was launched earlier this week after rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted commercial maritime traffic. The strategic waterway carries a major share of global oil shipments and remains one of the world’s most sensitive energy corridors.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision, saying the move could contribute to regional peace and stability. He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meanwhile stated that the initial phase of the American military operation against Iran had concluded, although Washington continued to push for reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and broader understandings with Tehran.
The pause in the operation comes as diplomatic activity involving regional and international actors intensifies amid fears that prolonged confrontation in the Gulf could disrupt global energy markets and maritime trade.
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