Trump halts 'Project Freedom' amid signs of progress in US-Iran peace negotiations

US President Donald Trump said the United States will temporarily pause “Project Freedom”, the operation designed to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations with Iran appear to be progressing.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed requests from Pakistan and other countries, while talks with Iranian representatives moved closer towards a possible agreement.

“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, 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 on Truth Social.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, with tensions in the region driving concerns over global energy supplies and rising fuel prices.

Earlier in the day, Marco Rubio said the combat phase of US operations against Iran had ended and that Washington was now focused on securing maritime transit through the waterway.