President Donald Trump has paused the US military's ship escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz after just one day. The move, called "Project Freedom," began on Monday to help vessels exit the strategic waterway amid Iranian control. On Tuesday, Trump announced the pause on Truth Social, citing a request from Pakistan and other mediators, and claiming "Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement" with Tehran. "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 finalized and signed," Trump said.
The United States maintains a blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into a deal ending the war launched jointly with Israel on February 28. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Tuesday that offensive operations, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," have concluded. "The operation is over — Epic Fury — as the president notified Congress. We're done with that stage of it," Rubio told reporters. He described the Hormuz activity as defensive, not offensive, adding, "There's no shooting unless we're shot at first."
Clashes in the Strait followed the initial war, during which the US and Israel killed top Iranian leaders and destroyed key military and economic sites. Iran responded with regional missile and drone attacks. Trump declared a ceasefire on April 8, which has been extended despite stalled talks. Rubio said the US had achieved its war objectives, noting Iran's economy now faces "catastrophic destruction," though Trump still favors a negotiated settlement.
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