Trump pauses Project Freedom as Iran talks advance, blockade stays
US President Donald Trump said 'Project Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz is paused briefly as Iran talks advance, citing "tremendous military success," while the blockade remains in force to test chances of a final agreement.
US President Donald Trump said the United States will temporarily pause “Project Freedom,” an initiative aimed at ensuring the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic efforts with Iran show progress.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed requests from Pakistan and other countries and came amid what he described as “tremendous military success” during the US campaign against Iran.
“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, and the tremendous Military Success that we have had we have mutually agreed” to pause the operation, Trump wrote.
He added that negotiations with Iranian representatives have moved closer to a “Complete and Final Agreement,” saying “Great Progress has been made toward” a deal.
Despite the pause in maritime operations, Trump made it clear that pressure on Iran would continue. “While the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time,” he said.
According to Trump, the temporary halt is aimed at testing the viability of diplomacy. The move is “to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalised and signed,” he said.
WHAT IS PROJECT FREEDOM?
‘Project Freedom’ is a maritime initiative announced by US President Donald Trump to safely escort foreign ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions.
The operation is designed to assist vessels belonging to countries not directly involved in the conflict, whose ships have been stuck in the crucial shipping corridor. Trump described these vessels and their crews as “neutral and innocent bystanders.”
Under the initiative, the United States plans to guide ships out of restricted or high-risk waters so they can resume normal operations. The effort has been framed as humanitarian, with Trump highlighting that many vessels are running low on food and essential supplies needed for large crews onboard.
Overall, “Project Freedom” according to Trump combines maritime security and humanitarian assistance, aiming to ensure safe passage for stranded ships while reducing risks in one of the world’s most critical trade routes.
US CONCLUDES OPERATION EPIC FURY
The United States has formally concluded its military campaign against Iran under “Operation Epic Fury,” with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Washington achieved its objectives despite unresolved concerns over Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Rubio said the operation had ended and emphasised that the US now prefers a diplomatic path forward. “The Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation What the president would prefer is a deal,” he said, referring to Donald Trump.
WHEN TRUMP ASKED IRAN TO WAVE THE WHITE FLAG
Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday sharply criticised Iran’s military strength, claiming it has been reduced to firing “peashooters” and urging Tehran to “wave the white flag of surrender,” though he said it remains too proud to do so.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump asserted that Iran is privately seeking a deal despite its public rhetoric. “They play games, but they want to make a deal. And who wouldn’t, when your military is totally gone?” he said.
Trump also praised the US-led blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as unbreakable. “It’s like a piece of steel. Nobody’s going to challenge the blockade, and I think it’s working out very well,” he added.
On the ceasefire, Trump warned that Iran is aware of the consequences of any violation. “They know what not to do,” he said, adding that he would respond if necessary.
Reiterating his stance, Trump said Iran should consider surrender, remarking that in a real fight, “they’d stop it.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global oil transit route, and any shift in military or shipping policy in the region carries major implications for global energy markets. The pause signals a potential opening for de-escalation, though the continued blockade suggests tensions persist.
US President Donald Trump said the United States will temporarily pause “Project Freedom,” an initiative aimed at ensuring the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic efforts with Iran show progress.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed requests from Pakistan and other countries and came amid what he described as “tremendous military success” during the US campaign against Iran.
“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, and the tremendous Military Success that we have had we have mutually agreed” to pause the operation, Trump wrote.
He added that negotiations with Iranian representatives have moved closer to a “Complete and Final Agreement,” saying “Great Progress has been made toward” a deal.
Despite the pause in maritime operations, Trump made it clear that pressure on Iran would continue. “While the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time,” he said.
According to Trump, the temporary halt is aimed at testing the viability of diplomacy. The move is “to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalised and signed,” he said.
WHAT IS PROJECT FREEDOM?
‘Project Freedom’ is a maritime initiative announced by US President Donald Trump to safely escort foreign ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions.
The operation is designed to assist vessels belonging to countries not directly involved in the conflict, whose ships have been stuck in the crucial shipping corridor. Trump described these vessels and their crews as “neutral and innocent bystanders.”
Under the initiative, the United States plans to guide ships out of restricted or high-risk waters so they can resume normal operations. The effort has been framed as humanitarian, with Trump highlighting that many vessels are running low on food and essential supplies needed for large crews onboard.
Overall, “Project Freedom” according to Trump combines maritime security and humanitarian assistance, aiming to ensure safe passage for stranded ships while reducing risks in one of the world’s most critical trade routes.
US CONCLUDES OPERATION EPIC FURY
The United States has formally concluded its military campaign against Iran under “Operation Epic Fury,” with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Washington achieved its objectives despite unresolved concerns over Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Rubio said the operation had ended and emphasised that the US now prefers a diplomatic path forward. “The Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation What the president would prefer is a deal,” he said, referring to Donald Trump.
WHEN TRUMP ASKED IRAN TO WAVE THE WHITE FLAG
Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday sharply criticised Iran’s military strength, claiming it has been reduced to firing “peashooters” and urging Tehran to “wave the white flag of surrender,” though he said it remains too proud to do so.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump asserted that Iran is privately seeking a deal despite its public rhetoric. “They play games, but they want to make a deal. And who wouldn’t, when your military is totally gone?” he said.
Trump also praised the US-led blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as unbreakable. “It’s like a piece of steel. Nobody’s going to challenge the blockade, and I think it’s working out very well,” he added.
On the ceasefire, Trump warned that Iran is aware of the consequences of any violation. “They know what not to do,” he said, adding that he would respond if necessary.
Reiterating his stance, Trump said Iran should consider surrender, remarking that in a real fight, “they’d stop it.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global oil transit route, and any shift in military or shipping policy in the region carries major implications for global energy markets. The pause signals a potential opening for de-escalation, though the continued blockade suggests tensions persist.
