Washington: US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause to "Project Freedom"—the American-led operation ensuring ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz—citing progress in talks with Iran and requests from Pakistan and other nations.
In a social media statement, Trump said: “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.”
The move follows weeks of escalating Gulf tensions, including US strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for nearly one-fifth of global petroleum, remains under US naval blockade, though ship movements are on hold.
Speaking at a White House youth fitness event earlier, Trump claimed Iran's navy and air force had been "totally wiped out," securing US control of the strait. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this, adding that Iran now faced a stark choice.
Trump urged energy importers to reroute shipments to US ports like Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, noting heavy reliance by allies: Japan sources 90% of its oil from the strait, South Korea 43%. He predicted Iran's economy was "crashing" under sanctions and pressure, forcing it to seek a deal.
(Inputs from IANS)