U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a “brief” pause to Project Freedom, launched to escort stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz and bypass Iran’s blockade, after claiming “great progress” toward a comprehensive deal with Iran.
“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,” he wrote on his TruthSocial platform.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on X, expressed gratitude to Trump for his “courageous leadership and timely announcement” in pausing Project Freedom. “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 and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia H.R.H Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period,” he added.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to support the peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. “We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he added.
Trump’s indication of a looming breakthrough in talks between Washington and Tehran drew a positive response, with an immediate decline in fuel prices in the global market. It remains unclear, however, how long the “pause” would last.
Prior to the U.S. president’s announcement, several senior U.S. officials emphasized that Iran cannot be permitted to control all traffic through the strait, passage through which has been severely curtailed since the conflict began on Feb. 28. Over the past week, the U.S. has imposed its own blockade to deny passage to Iran’s ships and tankers, further straining the shipping lane.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, meanwhile, had warned of a “firm response” if any ships tried to pass through the Strait without their permission. However, both sides insist the ceasefire remains in place, despite complaints of violations over the past few days.