US President Donald Trump announced a pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz a short while ago. Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to push Iran talks forward led to this development. Consequently, Donald Trump suspends Hormuz operation against Iran on Pakistan’s request. Trump said the US would temporarily halt the region wide naval initiative launched just days earlier. The mission was escorting ships through the strategically critical waterway. The US will maintain a blockade on Iran during this pause. Trump said great progress had been made towards a final agreement with Tehran.

Trump posted the following message on Truth Social, confirming the pause:

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow chokepoint through which roughly one fifth of global oil supply passes. Iran effectively restricted shipping during the ongoing war, escalating tensions in the region. The US responded by launching Project Freedom. American naval forces deployed to guide stranded vessels and counter Iran’s navy. Therefore, Donald Trump suspends Hormuz operation against Iran as a confidence building step. Pakistan’s role has been building behind the scenes for weeks.

Islamabad had earlier urged Washington to delay escalation and give diplomacy a chance. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directly appealed to Trump to extend deadlines and support negotiations. Pakistani officials also floated proposals to ease the blockade on Iran and facilitate talks. So far, Pakistan has continued mediating contacts while parallel discussions with Iran have taken place in multiple channels. The pause aims to de escalate just enough to secure a deal without fully backing down militarily.

US officials continue to claim that the main combat phase of the campaign against Iran has already achieved its objectives. Iran denies any losses incurred so far.