Trump pauses ship escort operation in Strait of Hormuz

President Trump said the United States will pause a planned operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after what he described as progress toward a “complete and final agreement” with Iran, though he said the naval blockade will remain in place.

The announcement came after renewed tensions between the United States and Iran over the blockade of the strait and “Project Freedom,” an operation Trump announced Sunday to escort ships stranded in the area.

Trump said the decision was made at the request of Pakistan and other countries, citing what he called the “tremendous military success” of the U.S. campaign against Iran and progress in talks with Iranian representatives.

“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 said.

The operation began Monday and was followed by Iranian attacks on several vessels in the region, including an empty UAE tanker and a South Korean vessel. Iran also struck the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.

Trump did not say how long the pause would last or what terms are being discussed with Iran. He also did not say whether any ships would be allowed to move through the strait during the pause.