US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary pause on “Project Freedom,” the US-led naval initiative aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that significant progress has been made in negotiations with Iran toward a possible agreement to end hostilities, reported PTI.
Trump cites progress in talks with Iran
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said discussions involving Iranian representatives had moved closer to a “complete and final agreement.” He added that the decision to pause the operation followed requests from several countries, including Pakistan, as well as recent military developments in the region.
According to Trump, the naval blockade around Iran will remain in place despite the temporary suspension of Project Freedom. He said the pause would allow time to determine whether negotiations could successfully conclude with a formal agreement, reported PTI.
Project Freedom launched to secure shipping route
Project Freedom was launched earlier this week after rising tensions and the temporary disruption of shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors. The route handles nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments, making any disruption a major concern for international markets and trade, reported PTI.
The operation, overseen by the US Central Command, aimed to escort stranded commercial vessels safely through the region following reports of increased threats and instability.
Maritime tensions escalated after operation began
The mission quickly led to heightened tensions in the Gulf region. The United Arab Emirates reportedly claimed that some of its vessels were attacked by Iranian forces, while US officials stated that American forces destroyed several Iranian small boats during the confrontation, reported PTI.
The conflicting accounts further intensified concerns over the possibility of a broader regional escalation involving military and commercial shipping interests.
Marco Rubio says Operation Epic Fury has ended
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio announced that “Operation Epic Fury,` another US military operation launched earlier this year, had concluded after achieving its objectives. Speaking at the White House, Rubio said the United States preferred diplomacy and peace over further military conflict, reported PTI.
He noted that the administration continues to seek a negotiated resolution with Iran, although he claimed Tehran had not consistently chosen that path.
US describes mission as defensive, not offensive
Rubio defended Project Freedom as a defensive mission designed to protect civilians and commercial shipping. He stated that nearly 23,000 civilians from 87 countries had been trapped in the Persian Gulf and required assistance, reported PTI.
“This is not an offensive operation,” Rubio said, explaining that US forces would only respond if attacked or if commercial ships came under threat.
Strait of Hormuz remains global flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a major geopolitical flashpoint due to its strategic importance to global energy supplies. The latest developments suggest a possible opening for diplomacy, although tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high as negotiations continue alongside ongoing military deployments in the region.
(With inputs from PTI)