By Saqib S. Qureshi
Trump Says Strait of Hormuz Operation Suspended Temporarily as Talks With Iran Show “Great Progress”
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that the controversial U.S. operation known as “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz will be temporarily paused following diplomatic requests from Pakistan and other countries amid ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Trump Claims ‘Great Progress’ in Iran Talks
In a Truth Social statement, Trump said the United States agreed to halt the operation for a short period after what he described as major military success against Iran and growing progress toward a possible final agreement with Tehran.
“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries… 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,” Trump wrote.
The president also stated that while the operation is being paused, the blockade around the strategic waterway would remain “in full force and effect.”
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Continues to Shake Global Markets
The announcement comes after weeks of escalating military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
The U.S.-led “Project Freedom” mission was launched after Iran allegedly targeted commercial vessels and threatened maritime traffic through the Gulf waterway.
The conflict triggered fears of major disruptions to global energy supplies and pushed oil prices sharply higher across international markets.
Pakistan Emerges as Key Diplomatic Player
Trump’s statement directly credited Pakistan and other countries for encouraging diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a mediator during the crisis, calling for restraint and negotiations to prevent a broader regional war.
Questions Remain Over Long-Term Ceasefire
Despite the temporary pause, uncertainty continues surrounding the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the stability of shipping routes in the Gulf region.
Political analysts warn that while diplomacy may have slowed the immediate confrontation, tensions remain dangerously high as both sides continue military and strategic pressure in the region.