Donald Trump said he is pausing a U.S. military operation to guide commercial ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in negotiations with Iran.
The operation, dubbed “Project Freedom,” was halted just a day after it began. Trump said in a social media post the pause would allow time to determine whether a “Complete and Final Agreement” with Tehran could be reached.
“Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,” he wrote.
The decision marks a sharp shift from the administration’s earlier stance, which had framed the mission as urgent. Marco Rubio said hours before the announcement that the operation aimed to “rescue” thousands of sailors stranded in the Persian Gulf due to Iran’s actions.
According to U.S. officials, nearly 23,000 sailors aboard vessels from 87 countries have been affected by Iran’s effective closure of the waterway, a critical artery for global oil shipments.
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Rubio warned the situation posed severe humanitarian risks, describing crews as “isolated” and “vulnerable,” and said at least 10 sailors had died amid the disruption.
The U.S. military, under U.S. Central Command, had planned a major deployment to support the effort, including guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, unmanned systems and about 15,000 personnel.
Markets reacted positively to Trump’s announcement, with stock futures rising on expectations that a diplomatic breakthrough could ease tensions and reopen the vital shipping lane.
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The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil exports, and any disruption has immediate economic implications worldwide.
However, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Regional tensions escalated earlier this week, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused by U.S. officials of launching missiles, drones and small boat attacks targeting vessels.
The United Arab Emirates reported being struck by ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones, resulting in injuries. A South Korean-operated ship also caught fire in the strait, in an incident Trump attributed to Iran.
Analysts had already expressed doubts about the feasibility of the escort mission, warning it could heighten confrontation with Tehran and complicate ongoing diplomacy.
Trump acknowledged the delicate balance, saying the naval operation was intended to assist stranded vessels but could risk undermining negotiations.
“I am fully aware that my representatives are having very positive discussions with the country of Iran,” he said, adding that the effort was meant to help “people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong.”
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The pause now places greater emphasis on diplomatic efforts, with markets and global shipping operators watching closely for signs of a შეთანხმ that could restore safe passage through one of the world’s most critical corridors.
