WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary halt to “Project Freedom,” a naval initiative aimed at securing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The suspension, coming just 24 hours after the operation’s launch, follows reported progress in ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Iran and appeals from international allies, including Pakistan.
The development was first reported by the Qatar-based news network, Al Jazeera.
Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump highlighted significant advancements in diplomatic efforts. “We have achieved incredible military success in our campaign against Iran,” Trump wrote. “Major progress has been made toward a comprehensive and final agreement with Iranian representatives.”
He further explained the rationale behind the sudden suspension: “Alongside these developments, and following requests from Pakistan and other nations, we have agreed to put Project Freedom on a brief, temporary hold. This will allow us to see if a final agreement can be successfully concluded and signed.”
Despite the pause on naval escorts through the strategic waterway, Trump emphasized that the stringent US blockade on Iranian ports remains fully active and enforced.
Project Freedom was initiated by the United States to escort and protect maritime traffic after Iran moved to shut down the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial global oil chokepoint—in retaliation for the US blockade. However, it remains immediately unclear exactly how the continuation of the naval operation might have negatively impacted the fragile peace negotiations.
