Trump Pauses "Project Freedom" Operation Citing "Great Progress" in Iran Nuclear Talks

Donald Trump has announced a temporary halt to “Project Freedom", a US-led maritime operation aimed at escorting stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in ongoing negotiations with Iran. The decision comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region and follows recent military and diplomatic developments involving multiple countries.

In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump said that “great progress” had been made toward reaching a “complete and final agreement” with Iranian representatives. He added that the pause was agreed upon after requests from several countries, including Pakistan, and would allow time to assess whether a formal agreement could be finalised while maintaining the broader blockade in the region.

“Project Freedom” was launched earlier this week to ensure the safe passage of vessels affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route responsible for transporting a significant share of the world’s oil supply. The operation was designed as a defensive measure, aimed at protecting commercial shipping without initiating offensive military action.

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Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that a separate mission, “Operation Epic Fury", had concluded after achieving its objectives. He emphasized that the United States prefers a diplomatic resolution and reiterated that military actions were limited to defensive responses if American or allied vessels came under attack.

The developments come against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, where reports of confrontations between US forces and Iranian vessels have surfaced in recent weeks. The situation had led to increased risks for international shipping, prompting urgent measures to safeguard maritime routes and civilian lives.

Following Trump’s announcement, global oil markets reacted immediately, with US crude prices falling below the $100-per-barrel mark, reflecting cautious optimism over a potential de-escalation. While there has been no immediate response from Tehran, the temporary pause in operations signals a possible shift toward diplomatic engagement in a region that remains strategically and economically vital.

Also Read: Rubio Says US Offensive Phase Of Iran Operation Has Concluded