Trump Pauses Hormuz Shipping Operation as Iran Deal Talks Progress
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Washington will temporarily pause “Project Freedom,” the military operation aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also said that negotiations with Iran were making “great progress” and suggested that a broader agreement with Tehran could be close.
However, the president emphasized that the U.S. naval blockade against Iran would remain active despite the temporary pause in operations.
Trump Says Final Agreement Could Be Near
According to Trump, Project Freedom will be paused briefly to determine whether a “complete and final agreement” with Iran can be finalized and officially signed.
The announcement marked a significant shift toward diplomacy after tensions escalated sharply earlier this week.
As of Wednesday, Iranian officials had not issued an official response to Trump’s latest comments.
Project Freedom Triggered Military Escalation
The decision follows the launch of Project Freedom earlier this week, which triggered a military response from Iran.
According to reports, Tehran targeted several ships operating in the Strait of Hormuz and also launched missiles toward the United Arab Emirates.
The strategic shipping lane has become one of the central flashpoints in the ongoing conflict because it handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Pentagon Says US Wants to Avoid Escalation
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier on Tuesday that Washington was not seeking further escalation with Tehran.
Hegseth described Project Freedom as a temporary operation and stated that a ceasefire technically remained in place despite renewed military activity in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States also claimed it had destroyed several Iranian small boats during recent confrontations, although Iran disputed the nature and number of the vessels involved.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical to Global Oil Supply
The United States originally launched Project Freedom in an effort to restore commercial shipping activity after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz during the early stages of the conflict.
Washington later responded by imposing a naval blockade on Iran, seeking to increase economic pressure on Tehran and push negotiations forward.
Earlier this week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged some progress in Pakistan-mediated talks but warned the United States against renewed military action in Hormuz.
Oil Prices Fall on Hopes for De-Escalation
Oil prices declined sharply following Trump’s comments as investors increased expectations for a potential de-escalation in the conflict and a recovery in global oil flows.
Brent crude prices fell below $110 per barrel after the announcement.
Despite the diplomatic progress, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained extremely limited.
Shipping giant Maersk said one of its vessels successfully passed through the channel earlier this week under U.S. military protection.
