Trump Pauses ‘Project Freedom’ Amid Push for Hormuz Deal
Washington — US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a US-led operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, known as “Project Freedom,” would be temporarily paused to allow time for a potential agreement to be finalized, even as the maritime blockade remains in place.
Trump indicated the pause was intended to create diplomatic space for negotiations, signaling a possible shift toward a negotiated resolution in the strategically vital waterway, a key global oil transit route.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, which has disrupted shipping flows and contributed to increased energy costs. Despite the pause in operational activity, the continued enforcement of the blockade suggests that pressure on the situation will be maintained while talks proceed.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes, has remained at the center of geopolitical and economic concerns, with recent incidents underscoring the risks to commercial shipping and global energy markets.
US officials have not disclosed details of the proposed agreement or the parties involved, and no timeline has been provided for the duration of the pause.
