US military operation in Strait of Hormuz paused amid talks with Iran officials

US President Donald Trump Announces Suspension of “Project Freedom” Operation

Washington, D.C. - US President Donald Trump has announced that the US military operation, known as “Project Freedom,” to move stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz has been paused temporarily.

According to a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, the decision was made at the request of Pakistan and other countries, and is contingent upon the finalization and signing of an agreement with Iranian representatives. Trump stated that while the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in effect, “Project Freedom” will be put on hold for a short period to assess whether the agreement can be finalized.

The announcement comes as tensions in the Gulf region escalate, with reports of US military actions against Iranian boats and cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates has also reported missile and drone attacks from Iran, while another commercial ship in the strait was hit by an unknown projectile.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a new map of the strait, expanding its area of control, and warned vessels to adhere to designated corridors or face a “decisive response.”

In Washington, DC, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US has completed its offensive operations against Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” and emphasized that Iran must pay a price for its efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz.

The maritime chokepoint, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of global energy supplies, has been effectively sealed by Iran since February 28. The US imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports in April as part of peace talks mediated by Pakistan, including reopening the key waterway and halting nuclear enrichment.

Global trade has been disrupted due to the closure of the strait, leading to increased oil and fertilizer prices and concerns about a global recession and food emergency.

Source: Al Jazeera