US Operation Pauses in Strait of Hormuz Amid Diplomatic Efforts

US President Announces Suspension of ‘Project Freedom’ Operation

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

According to a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, the decision was made at the request of Pakistan and other countries, and in light of progress towards a comprehensive agreement with Iranian representatives. Trump stated that while the blockade will remain in place, “Project Freedom” will be halted for a short period to determine whether the agreement can be finalized and signed.

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region, where the US military has reported destroying several Iranian boats and cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates has also confirmed that its air defenses dealt with missile and drone attacks from Iran for a second consecutive day.

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

In a separate statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US has completed its offensive operations against Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.” He 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 the US and Israel launched their military operation on February 28. The closure has disrupted global trade, causing oil and fertilizer prices to rise, and prompting concerns about a potential global recession and food emergency.

Trump also stated that Iran’s military is no longer capable of posing a significant threat, saying “they’re firing peashooters.” When asked what Iran would need to do to violate the ceasefire, Trump replied that they know what not to do.

Source: Al Jazeera