US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States will temporarily pause “Project Freedom,” the US military’s effort to guide stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran show progress.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision has been taken after the request from Pakistan and other countries and came amid what he termed as “tremendous military success” during the US campaign against Iran.
“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, and the tremendous Military Success that we have had we have mutually agreed” to pause the operation, Trump wrote on Truth Social platform.
He also acknowledged that negotiations with Iranian representatives have moved closer to a “Complete and Final Agreement,” stating “Great Progress has been made toward” a deal.
Although maritime operations were paused, Trump clearly asserted that pressure on Iran would remain firmly in place, saying “While the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time.”
Trump said the temporary pause is intended to assess whether diplomatic efforts can succeed. He said, the decision is “to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalised and signed.”
What is “Operation Freedom”
“Project Freedom” is a maritime initiative announced by US President Donald Trump to ensure the safe passage of foreign vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions.
The operation aims to assist ships from countries not directly involved in the conflict that have been stuck in the key shipping route. Trump described these vessels and their crews as “neutral and innocent bystanders.”
The initiative has been presented as humanitarian, with Trump noting that many ships are running short of food and other essential supplies required to sustain their large crews.
‘Operation Epic Fury is over’: Marco Rubio
“Operation Epic Fury is concluded,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced early Thursday, signalling the end of more than two months of turmoil triggered by a major military escalation involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
Announcing the conclusion of the operation, Rubio said, “Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation. We’re not cheering for an additional situation to occur. We would prefer the path of peace. What Trump would prefer is a deal… that is, so far, not the route that Iran has chosen.”
