Trump pauses Hormuz ‘Project Freedom’ but keeps blockade
President Trump has announced a temporary halt to “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz following requests from Pakistan and others. While the US naval blockade against Iran stays fully intact, Trump said the pause aims to test whether a final agreement with Tehran can be reached.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that American forces will suspend “Project Freedom” — an operation to guarantee commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — for a short period. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump explained that the decision came at the urging of Pakistan and several other nations. He stressed that despite the pause, the US blockade “will remain in full force and effect” as Washington tests whether a complete and final agreement with Iranian representatives can be finalized.
Military success and diplomatic window
Trump linked the move to what he described as “tremendous military success” during the US campaign against Iran, as well as progress toward a potential deal. The operation to escort ships through the strategic waterway had been announced only days earlier, on Sunday, challenging Tehran’s insistence that all transits require prior Iranian approval. Tensions have run high since US and Israeli strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, which drew retaliatory actions from Tehran and caused disruptions in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.
Ceasefire and Pakistani mediation
A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect on April 8, though follow-up talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump later extended the truce without a fixed deadline. Since April 13, the US Navy has enforced a blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic near the strait. Meanwhile, Iran introduced its own transit mechanism on Tuesday, with state-run Press TV reporting that vessels now receive emails from a body called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) outlining regulations before obtaining a permit.
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