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US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he would briefly pause “Project Freedom,” the US-led operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following a request from Pakistan and other countries, while citing “great progress” toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran.
The strait has been virtually shut since the US-Israeli war with Iran began, blocking an estimated 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.
Pakistan’s Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Trump for his “courageous leadership and timely announcement.”
“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 Mohammed bin Salman, will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period,” Sharif wrote on X.
He added that Pakistan “remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Oil Prices Drop
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, US crude oil futures fell 2.30∗∗andbrokebelow∗∗2.30∗∗andbrokebelow∗∗100 per barrel—a much-watched threshold since the conflict sent energy prices soaring two months ago.
Operation Epic Fury Concluded
Earlier Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters 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.”
Rubio had earlier outlined the escort effort, which began Monday to help stranded tankers exit the Gulf. Iran has effectively sealed off the strait by threatening to deploy mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft. The United States countered by blockading Iranian ports and mounting escorted transits for commercial vessels.
The US military said Monday it had destroyed several Iranian small boats, as well as cruise missiles and drones.
What’s Next
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on what progress had been made toward an Iran agreement or how long the pause would last. There was no immediate reaction from Tehran, where it was early Wednesday morning.
Rubio emphasized that Iran could not be allowed to control traffic through the strait, even as the pause in escorted transits takes effect.
