US President Donald Trump said the Project Freedom operation guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz will be temporarily paused as diplomatic efforts with Iran move forward. Trump said the decision followed requests from Pakistan and other nations, as well as what he described as significant military success and progress toward a “complete and final agreement” with Iran.
Despite the pause in escort operations, he emphasized that the naval blockade would remain fully in place while negotiations continue, with the temporary halt intended to give space for a potential deal to be finalized.
"Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed. President DONALD J. TRUMP," message on Truth Social read.
The move comes as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations warns that the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz has reached “critical” following multiple incidents over the past 48 hours. These include navigation interference, blockade enforcement activity, mine reports and risks of miscalculation, with naval forces reportedly repelling several threats. The nearby Gulf of Oman has also been rated at a critical threat level due to past projectile and drone strikes and continued heavy military presence.
Commercial shipping through the strait has sharply declined, dropping to just a handful of daily transits compared to a historical average of around 138, highlighting the scale of disruption.
The US Navy had launched Project Freedom to ensure safe passage for vessels amid the crisis triggered by the conflict that began on February 28. While talks continue, the White House has not provided further details on the progress of negotiations.
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