US Abandons Plan to Guide Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

May 6, 2026 • Al Jazeera

US Abandons Plan to Guide Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

US to Suspend Guidance for Ships in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has announced that it will temporarily suspend its military operation, known as “Project Freedom”, which provides guidance for ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement from President Donald Trump, the decision was made at the request of Pakistan and due to progress being made towards a final agreement with Iran. The details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The US military has been operating in the region since 2019, providing escort services for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Gulf of Oman to the Persian Gulf. The operation was initially launched in response to increased tensions between the United States and Iran following drone strikes on oil tankers.

The suspension of “Project Freedom” is expected to have minimal impact on maritime traffic in the region. However, it may lead to increased scrutiny from other nations regarding the security of shipping lanes in the area.

Details about the nature of the agreement with Iran are not yet available. The US and Iranian governments have been engaged in diplomatic efforts for several months, but no official statement has been released confirming a final deal.

The suspension is effective immediately, pending further developments.

Source: Al Jazeera