WASHIGNTON
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would briefly pause an operation, labelled as “Project Freedom”, to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a request from Pakistan and other countries, while citing “great progress” toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran.
Hours earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had outlined the effort that began on Monday to escort stranded tankers out of the Gulf. The strait has been virtually shut since the conflict began, blocking some 20% of world oil supplies and igniting a global energy crisis.
“We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom … will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalised and signed,” Trump wrote on social media. There was no immediate reaction from Tehran, where it was early on Wednesday morning.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to US President Trump for his “courageous leadership and timely announcement” regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. “President Trump’s gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my dear brother Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period,” he wrote on X.
PM Shehbaz noted that Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. “We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he added.
Shortly after Trump’s post, US crude oil futures fell $2.30 and broke below $100 per barrel, a much-watched threshold since the conflict sent energy prices soaring two months ago. The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment on what progress had been made, or how long the pause would last.
Rubio and other senior administration officials said earlier on Tuesday that Iran could not be allowed to control traffic through the strait. Iran has effectively sealed off the strait by threatening to deploy mines, drones, missiles and fast-attack craft. The United States has countered by blockading Iranian ports and mounting escorted transits for commercial vessels.
The US military said on Monday it had destroyed several Iranian small boats, as well as cruise missiles and drones. Rubio told reporters at the White House that the United States had achieved its objectives in its military campaign, which was launched on February 28 alongside Israel. “Operation Epic Fury is concluded,” Rubio said. “We’re not cheering for an additional situation to occur.”
